Brunch Your Way Through The Bull City

Durham takes brunch seriously. From shakshuka at Zweli's to duck hash at Mateo, the Bull City's morning dining scene is one of the most diverse in the Triangle. You can find fast, affordable bites for when you're on the move or have a slow morning, sitting down to a full brunch complete with home fries and mimosas. 

Thankfully, restaurants all over Durham are embracing the brunch lifestyle with dedicated menus designed for the occasion. Whether you're visiting for the weekend or looking for a restaurant with delicious brunch menu options, here's a guide to some restaurants in Durham offering international, Southern and American flavors. Keep calm and brunch on.

Breakfast and Brunch in Downtown Durham

If you're visiting from out of town and looking for a brunch walking distance from your hotel in downtown Durham, you're in luck. You may not even need to leave your hotel. 21c Hotel and The Durham Hotel don't make brunch that is just serviceable for a hotel, they make a brunch that Durham locals make reservations for. If you want to leave your hotel, The Lenny is an excellent weekend choice while Boricua Soul will get you weekday started on the right foot. As you make it down this list, you will find some other great brunch spots worth a little further of a walk throughout Durham's multiple downtown districts.

Boricua Soul

705 Willard St. | American Tobacco Campus 

Brunch isn't just for the weekend. On Mondays and Tuesdays, head to the American Tobacco Campus for a delightful assortment of affordable brunch items at Boricua Soul. Serving up an expertly crafted fusion of Carribean, African and nouveau Southern-Latino flavors, you can't get a breakfast like this anywhere else. Order one, two or even three breakfast empanadas after choosing your filling. Create your own breakfast sandwich. Compliment your main meal with sides like fried potatoes, turkey sausage or a biscuit then wash it down with some coffee. 

Counting House

111 Corcoran St. | Durham City Center

Counting House offers more than just great cocktails — they also serve up brunch every day of the week. Housed in the lobby of 21c Museum Hotel and headed up by Durham-native Chef Melanie Wilkerson, this restaurant offers the best of land and sea. Their smoked salmon dish is an elevated take on the classic lox bagel and the Turkish eggs are a must-have. If you're feeling partial to the lunch side of brunch, order fish sandwich or the classic Counting House smash burger. And while we're talking about brunch, Counting House regularly hosts Drag Brunches hosted by local queens and kings. 

The Durham Hotel

315 E. Chapel Hill St. | Durham City Center

Turn brunch into a public or private party at The Durham Hotel every Saturday and Sunday. Dishes like "The Full Durham," stuffed French toast and breakfast fried rice are served alongside Bloody Marys for a fun outing that everyone will enjoy. Opt for brunch in bed via room service during your stay!

The Lenny

555 S. Mangum St., Floor 11 | Durham Government Services District

From the folks that brought you Jose and Sons in Raleigh, The Lenny invites guests to enjoy a brasserie-style brunch overlooking the Durham Bull's Athletic Park. Order the classics like French toast or eggs benedict or choose from the delicious selection of flatbreads. For those who woke up on the lunch-ier side of brunch, The Lenny also offers sandwiches and burgers.

Breakfast and Brunch Restaurants with Great Outdoor Dining

Sometimes, you need breakfast alfresco. Eggs served sunny-side-up and a mimosa while soaking in the sun. Take your mom to these spots for Mother's Day, your senior here for graduation or just a get your friends together for a Sunday morning outside. 

Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Restaurant

2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. | Rockwood and Lakewood Districts

Sample German fare on the weekend brunch cafe menu at this European eatery. Familiar brunch items like eggs benedict over Westphalian ham and nutella on grilled brioche mix with traditional German cuisine, such as schnitzel and house-made bratwurst. Make sure to stop by the attached bakery for an almond schnecke pastry.

Foster's Market

2694 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. | Rockwood and Lakewood Districts

Foster's Market is a gourmet food market and cafe focusing on scratch-made soups, salads, casseroles, sandwiches and more. And by more, we mean thick slices of the best peanut butter pie you'll ever eat. You will enjoy every bite of your meal because everything is made in-house — down to the roast turkey for their sandwiches. Stop by for brunch every Thursday-Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

GRUB Durham

1200 W. Chapel Hill St. | West End

GRUB co-founders Stacey Poston and Wendy Woods have lived and worked in Durham for over 20 years. Not only did they create a full-service restaurant and a rooftop bar, they created the space. Through their business Habitable Space, they turned an old gas station into a hip, Southern eatery. GRUB combines their passion for supporting the redevelopment of Durham's urban core with their love and experience in the restaurant industry. Order brunch every day until 3 p.m. The Slammer (two eggs, any style, served with bacon or sausage, taters, grits, fruit and a buttermilk flapjack) and the West End Grit Bowl (stoneground cheddar grits, roasted red pepper sauce, turkey sausage, sunny side up egg and green onions), will leave you satisfied.

Best Sunday Brunch in Durham

Sunday and brunch just goes together like chicken and waffles. They were meant to be. For some people, Sunday brunch is a post religious service ritual. It's scheduled time with family. It's celebratory and WILL include a mimosa. It's a deep-breath of relaxation before the week ahead. Whatever your reason, rotate through this list for some delicious Durham Sunday brunches. 

Aaktun

704 Ramseur St. | Golden Belt District

Transport yourself to Tulum for brunch with a visit to Aaktun. From Chef Oscar Diaz and Mezcalito group, this dual-concept eatery is full of amazing eats and well made drinks. If you prefer a sweet breakfast, order up some mini churros or a goat cheese cake. For those that prefer the more savory side of things, the brekky butter burger or the spicy chicken sando will be right on the money. Oh, and did we mention they have tots? The supreme totchos are a dish you won't want to miss.

Nerra

506 Ramseur St. | Golden Belt District

Come on Saturday for a made-to-order, seasonal, seafood-forward brunch. Enjoy waffles, eggs, breakfast veggies and more. Don't forget the mimosa or sangria carafe for the table.

Nasher Cafe

2001 Campus Dr. | Duke University

Fancy some art with a side of brunch? Head to the Nasher Museum. The Nasher has its own cafe, run by the folks behind Nikos, Local 22 and Vin Rouge, so you know its good. Eggs Benedict fans rejoice, this cafe has four Benedict options to choose from. They also offer a variety of other options from sandwiches and salads to full platters and classic plates. Head to the museum early and relax afterwards with brunch, or plan to fuel up at the cafe before a full day of art appreciation.

Nikos

905 W. Main St., Unit 21B | Brightleaf & Warehouse District

Founded on the Greek tradition of philoxenia, MICHELIN-recommended Nikos is a perfect place to share weekend brunch with friends and family. Kick things off with Greek meze and spreads before moving on to the large plates. Dip pita bread in eggs shakshuka or dig into a classic Turkish breakfast of fried eggs, feta with garlic yogurt and chile oil.

Little Bull

301 E. Chapel Hill St. | Durham City Center

After reading the brunch menu, you may question our classification of this spot as "All American," but a quick read of the 'About' section of the restaurant's website will have you convinced it's just that. Serving up a delicious, unique brunch menu that changes with the seasons, Little Bull is a partnership between Mezcalito Group, Inc. and two-time James Beard Award semifinalist Oscar Diaz. Each one of their dishes is a heartfelt nod to nostalgic comfort food, drawing inspiration from the rich culinary heritage of first-generation immigrants. Sit down and enjoy duck chilaquiles, Frenchxican toast and gambas grits.

Vin Rouge

2010 Hillsborough Rd. | Ninth Street

With the Art Deco design, traditional white tablecloths, red accent walls, and black and white photographs, you might actually think you’re brunching on the Champs Elysees. Vin Rouge has a brunch menu filled with options like mushroom and gruyere omelets, crepes and French toast. And, of course, you can pair your meal with a mimosa or Bloody Mary.

Local 22 Kitchen & Bar

2200 W. Main St. | Ninth Street

The Sunday brunch menu at Local 22 is clearly designed for a good time. The Big Bottom Brunch and Parlez-Vous Frozé cocktails headline the drink menu and hearty mains like Shrimp & Grits accompany shareable "amusements."

Saturday Brunch in Durham

When you search for "brunch," a lot of the options that come up are only for restaurants with Sunday options. Why are we forgetting about Saturday when it comes to brunch? Sometimes you want to start the weekend with a mimosa - is that so controversial? We refuse to forget about Saturday brunch. While these please may also offer Sunday brunch, you can stop by on Saturday as well. 

Rose's Noodles, Dumplings & Sweets

121 N. Gregson St. | Brightleaf & Warehouse District

Hear us out. You may not think an East Asian-inspired restaurant would have a killer brunch, but you would be wrong. Rose's menu of housemade dishes and pastries is perfect for a Saturday or Sunday afternoon with friends. Order a few steaming noodle bowls and some veggies and dumplings to share. Save room for dessert. There is nothing as tempting as the pasty case at Rose's. 

Clouds Brewcade

905 W. Main St. | Brightleaf & Warehouse District

Serving brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, Clouds Brewcade is a perfect Brightleaf Square spot to have a mid morning meal with a side of arcade games. While this brewery and kitchen is primarily inspired by German beer and cuisine, the brunch menu features items from diverse culinary traditions. Stick to the breweries roots with bratwurst omelette and the Belgian berries and cream, or try their take on Huevos Rancheros, "Panchos Breakfast." You also won't want to miss out on the sides. Ask for a brat on the side and some creamy grits or indulge in the beer cheese smothered hash-browns and you'll be fueled for shopping the nearby boutiques.

Alimentari at Mothers & Sons

105 W. Chapel Hill St. | Durham City Center

Brunch at Alimentari is ONLY available on Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Featuring American classics like pork rolls and BECs, you will also find dishes taking inspiration from Mothers and Sons, Alimentari's Italian nighttime alter ego. Bacon frittatas are served next to spaghetti pies and chocolate cornetti. Bring your tote bag to stock your fridge with homemade pantry and prepared food items like fresh pastas and sauces, prosciutto sliced to order and giardiniera.

It's a Southern Thing

1051 Yunus Road St. 110 | South Durham

It's a Southern Thing is for people who don’t play around when it comes to brunch. With an extensive brunch menu, you can order hearty items like "Pete’s Fat Kid Breakfast Sandwich" with a toasted brioche bun filled with pulled pork, bacon, breakfast sausage, fried egg, cheese, and bourbon honey BBQ sauce. Still hungry? Try the flapjack charcuterie board, chicken and waffle skewers, or shrimp and grits. And yes, the brunch menu features both mimosas and Bloody Marys. The bottomless mimosas are the start to many great stories and Saturdays.

Durham Food Hall

530 Foster St. Suite 1 | Durham Central Park District

Make the whole crew happy with a Saturday brunch at the Durham Food Hall in downtown Durham. Satisfy multiple cravings at once and order locally sourced gourmet bagels and avant-garde sandwiches from Everything Bagels, and casual Mexican fare like the Chorizo Breakfast Burrito from Ex-Voto. Wash your meal down with coffee from Liturgy Beverage Company or hand-crafted cocktails and beer from the Auctioneer Bar before walking across the street to the Durham Farmer's Market. 

Bakeries with Breakfast in Durham

These Bull City breakfast and brunch spots are baking breads daily. Fresh buttery croissants, warm and fluffy breakfast biscuits and sweet buns with flavors that change with the seasons. If your group has someone is looking for a muffin and another craving a breakfast sandwich with the works, these bakeries are your one-stop shop. 

Lutra Bakery

312 Blackwell St. | American Tobacco Campus

What originally began as a pop-up bakery is now a full-on brunch spot. Stop by their brick-and-mortar store in the American Tobacco Campus for a breakfast that will satisfy both sweet and savory breakfast lovers. Order a latte and sweet bun for a quick breakfast before exploring the campus, or take your time and enjoy a plate of biscuits and gravy with their 100-layer hash browns. 

Monuts

1002 9th St. | Ninth Street

Monuts pairs bold eclectic flavors with seasonal and local ingredients for an updated approach to the American brunch. With menu items like Turkish Eggs and Avocado, Bacon + Guac Breakfast Burrito and build-your-own sandwiches, you'll want to try everything. Get a slice of quiche with a side of salad or soup and don't leave without trying one of their famous donuts.

Mad Hatter's

1802 W. Main St. | Ninth Street

Mad Hatter's Cafe and Bakeshop might be best known for their cakes, but they do so much more. Conveniently located near Duke's East Campus, this spot is perfect for a quick drop in for a coffee and a blueberry danish, Manhattan crumb cake or a chocolate chip scone. If you're not in a rush, take the time to sit and order from their robust breakfast menu. Every day from open till close, Mad Hatters is cooking up hearty breakfast plates like the Hatter Breakfast, Rancheros and Eggs Benedict.

Isaac's Bagels

1003 W. Chapel Hill St. | Durham's West End

In 2021, Isaac began making bagels. Through dedication (and a lot of spreadsheets), he perfected the recipes and began selling bagels with friends and neighbors before gaining a cult-following at the Durham Farmers Market. Isaac opened his brick-and-mortar in 2023 and is known for their handmade bagels, spreads and rosette pastries. Only open for takeout, stop by before 1 p.m. (2 p.m. on the weekends) for fan favorites like the seasonal tomato open-face bagel, the breakfast sandwich you can customize to your liking and the tuna bagel sandwich with potato chips. 

Quick Breakfast Spots in Durham

Not all breakfast occasions have to be brunch. These Durham restaurants have breakfast options that you can grab and carry on with your morning, or stop in and stay awhile if you have the time. A breakfast sandwich with egg and gooey cheese, a steak and eggs breakfast burrito or a biscuit with buttermilk brined chicken will have your mouth watering. After all, it is the most important meal of the day. 

Hatch Burritos

721 N. Mangum St. | Old Five Points

Once a pop-up now with its own brick-and-mortar store, Hatch Burritos is a local favorite that serves New Mexico-style burritos. Order breakfast all day or lunch items starting at 11 a.m. Order a steak and eggs burrito, stuffed with their signature hatch green chile, or a few tamales for the group.

The Common Market

1821 Green St. | Ninth Street

The Common Market may be a multifunctional space, but it puts 100% in all of it, including breakfast. Made with locally sourced eggs, bread, bagels, wraps and grits, the sandwiches and wraps here are awesome. If you happen by for weekend brunch, you can order Mama's Bowl or a Pimp My Bowl. A local favorite and best-kept secret are the Nip Nops. For under $10, you'll get two buttermilk biscuit sammies with egg, pork sausage (you can swap it out for their vegan sausage) and white American cheese. Pair it all with a coffee from Mid Bloom, and you're in business.

NOSH

717 Broad St. | Ninth Street

Wendy Woods, of GRUB, opened with NOSH with business partner (and childhood friend) Piper Lunsford. NOSH fueled Duke students on West Campus over nearly 20 years before opening in their new location on Broad Street by Duke East Campus. The building has a similar DNA to GRUB - kitschy wallpaper, a second floor bar and the food you know and love from the Rocket Restaurant team. NOSH is dedicated to offering high-quality, affordable food complimented by quick, friendly service. Everyday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., you can order salads (add the grilled or crispy chicken), sandwiches (The Firefly is filled with cornmeal fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese), smoothies and breakfast options where Red Tractor Buttermilk Biscuits steal the show.

Queen Eggxpress at the Can Opener 

205 S. Gregson St. | Brightleaf & Warehouse District

Look for the legendary Can Opener bridge and you'll find one of the best breakfast food trucks in town. Specializing in breakfast burritos, Queen Eggxpress is here to help you start your day Monday through Saturday. A few menu favorites include the Queenrrito, the Philly and the Frankie burrito. Don't sleep on their breakfast sandwiches either. Queen Eggxpress serves their fluffy eggs on sandwiches, buns and even bagels. 

All-Day Breakfast Cafes in Durham

There are good coffee shops and good breakfast places, but a cafe that does both well is a treasure. You can stop by these Durham cafes for a delicious coffee, or stay awhile for a full breakfast. 

Press

359 Blackwell St. | American Tobacco Campus

In the American Tobacco District, Press is an airy European-style café that crafts coffee, cocktails and crepes with equal care. Enjoy locally roasted Counter Culture Coffee and a full menu of sweet and savory crepes. an Italian-inspired espresso bar and a brunch cocktail bar that's all-American. Order the BBJ&M, a crepe filled with bourbon bacon jam, grilled portobello mushrooms, marinated mushrooms, brie cheese, arugula and tater tots. Yes, tater totes. The crepe is topped with eggs, hot honey and goat cheese. 

Bull + Bean

3710 Shannon Rd., #100 | Hope Valley

Bull and Bean is a go-to spot for coffee and all-day breakfast in South Durham. Operating as a neighborhood cafe and hangout, you can't go wrong with a visit to Bull and Bean. Every week, they offer a specific soup, sandwich and slider on special. Beyond the specials, you can get filling plates like The Perfect Big Bull Breakfast, Caro's Quinoa Bowl and the Hangover Cure Breakfast Sandwich all day, every day.

Drift Coffee & Kitchen

3151 Elion Dr. | Southpoint and Research Triangle Park

Drift's newest location in Hub RTP offers guests amazing coffee and healthy, nutritious menu items. If you're looking to eat on the lighter side, order the Açai bowl or chia pudding, or beef up your breakfast with a breakfast burrito or a classic bodega breakfast sandwich before hitting the trails around Hub RTP.

Fare and Fellow

411 W. Chapel Hill St. | Brightleaf & Warehouse District

Fare and Fellow is the type of place where you can cozy up with a coffee and a book but you can also gather round a table for brunch with a big group of friends. With a welcoming environment and a nourishing menu, this spot offers a great way to start your day before exploring Brightleaf Square or Downtown Durham. Both the breakfast and lunch menus are available all day so you can munch on ham and cheese croissants, bacon breakfast burritos, avocado toast and more as early or as late as you'd like.

Classic Southern Breakfast Diners in Durham

When in Durham, right? If you're visiting from the Midwest, Northeast or West Coast, you need a Southern breakfast. We don't make the rules. Fried green tomatoes, biscuits and gravy and you can always order a side of grits.

Dame's Chicken & Waffles

471 S. Driver St. | East Durham

You haven't been to Durham if you haven't brunched at Dame's Chicken and Waffles. Dame's is a Black-owned restaurant that brings sweet and savory flavor to their breakfast menu with their world-famous waffles and crispy chicken. Make sure to top it all off with the delicately whipped sweet crème butter schmear or some of their extra special drizzle.

Elmo's Diner

776 9th St. | Ninth Street

If you are looking for a classic American diner, you'll find it in Elmo's. For over 20 years, Elmo's Diner has been a local staple for Durhamites and Duke students. Enjoy a hearty brunch all day long at this family-friendly diner on Ninth Street which has won awards for its breakfast, brunch and child-friendly menu. They serve everything you could ever want for brunch including cinnamon apple pancakes, baked French toast and biscuits and gravy. Everything is made from scratch and yes, you can get a side of grits. 

Refectory Café

2726 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. | Rockwood and Lakewood District

The Refectory Café is a classic, old-school café where omnivores, vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diets can all share a table and meal. Order from the counter when you walk in and then find a table. Try the signature challah cinnamon French toast or fried chicken and cheddar biscuit every day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m! Vegans will love the many brunch options available. 

There is a breakfast and brunch option for everyone and every occasion in Durham. Order a coffee, sit and savor biscuits smothered in gravy, and get ready for a day out in the Bull City.