Durham Hidden Gems You Should Discover

Get ready to expand your Bull City horizons and explore new-to-you retail, entertainment, restaurants, and outdoor spots. We polled our staff and scoured comments from our loyal @DurhamNC social media followers and the r/bullcity subreddit users to learn their favorite secret-spot restaurants, not-so-obvious stellar finds, and one-of-a-kind finds (did you know that we have a tuba museum?) so that you can discover Durham's most beloved, authentic experiences on your next adventure.

Durham Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants

Banh’s Cuisine

If it’s cash-only you know it’s good. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant on Ninth Street offers fresh flavors from Vietnam and China, and nearly everything on the menu is under $10. Go on a Wednesday or Saturday for expanded Vietnamese offerings.

La Cacerola Taqueria

La Cacerola Taqueria is a Honduran restaurant near the Walltown neighborhood. “We take everyone we know to La Cacerola,” wrote Reddit user Smokeahontas. “Get the guacamole and the pickled vegetables!”

Cosmic Cantina

A true hole-in-the-wall spot, walk up the graffitied steps to enter a legendary land of late-night eats. Cosmic Cantina has been serving up their famed burritos and quesadillas since 1995. You can find college students, Durham locals and in-the-know visitors feasting here from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. every day.

Mediterranean Grill and Grocery

The falafel will melt in your mouth here. Hidden away in the Parkwood neighborhood since 2014, this spot is owned by three men who are committed to made-from-scratch gyros, baklava and other Mediterranean delicacies.

Sister Liu's Kitchen

This tiny homestyle Chinese restaurant tucked into a shopping center next to Namu is a hidden gem in the truest sense of the word. It has earned national acclaim from Bon Appetit's Best New Restaurants list for its handmade dumplings, and remained a local favorite for its noodle bowls and "Chinese burgers."

Under-the-Radar Faves in Durham

The Mad Popper

Pop on over to The Mad Popper, Durham's local gourmet popcorn shop. They pop fresh popcorn daily and cover it in over 40 different flavors ranging from sweet to deliciously savory. Knowing shoppers will also find The Mad Popper's products at some local retail shops.

Pop's Backdoor Pizza and Calzones

In a strip mall in South Durham, you'll find what some say is the best pizza in the Bull City. Our advice is to check out the lunch specials. You'll find some great deals.

Dulce Cafe and Gelato

Located in south Durham at Sutton Station, this delectable spot earned this Yelp review: "Oh. My. God. So delicious. Why did I wait so long?? Their BLAT (bacon lettuce AVOCADO toast) is to die for. Their cobb salad? Perfection. All of their breakfast items also look amazing. And their portion sizes are VERY generous. Nothing to complain about here."

Pomegranate Kitchen

Stop by Pomegranate Kitchen for Persian food made with fresh, local North Carolina produce. Order takeout at the restaurant or check their site to see when they will be at a farmers market. Choose from jeweled rice, pomegranate stew, pirashkies and more from their weekly rotating menu. Make sure you check their hours before heading out because they are only open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Melo Trattoria & Tapas

Here, there's drool-worthy Italian cuisine with Spanish influences tucked away in a strip mall. You'll find classics like bolognese and spaghetti alla puttanesca, along with a globally inspired tapas menu.

Sitar

You might've seen this spot while zooming along Chapel-Hill Blvd, and it's time you swung by. At Sitar, you'll find Indian cuisine with live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Gluten-free and vegan dishes are available, and they just opened up a new patio.

Succotash

What started as a food truck with Southern & Creole-inspired flavors is now a full brick-and-mortar restaurant. Whether you're stopping by the truck or sitting down at the store, you sure to find some delicious eats. Indulge in brisket, gumbo, fried okra and more.

Thai Spoon

Tucked away in a shopping center, Thai Spoon serves classic Thai dishes. "So good, food is made to order, prices are reasonable," wrote Facebook user Liz Stabenow.

Quickly Tea House

When owner Jackie Zhou moved to Durham, she... quickly started her search for great boba in the Bull City and decided to open her own shop. In addition to boba, you can get snacks like popcorn chicken and gyoza.

Durham's Historic Hidden Gems

Home Plate Restaurant

Open since 1995, Home Plate Restaurant serves cafeteria-style Southern cooking with a variety of entrees and sides.

Chicken Hut

It might be controversial to say one of the oldest restaurants in Durham is a hidden gem, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t know about the Chicken Hut.

Located on Fayetteville Street, this cash-only, 60-year-old, family-owned soul food restaurant is known for its mouthwatering fried chicken and commitment to community engagement. You can also find barbecue, collards and more Southern staples depending on the day of the week.

The Green Room

Looking for an old-school pool hall? Check out The Green Room on Broad Street. They have billiards, shuffleboard, darts, foosball and beer. There’s a common misconception that this is the same pool hall that was featured in the movie “Bull Durham.” The set that was featured in the film was built to resemble The Green Room across the street from the historic location.

King's Red & White

King's Red & White has been a family-owned fixture of Durham since 1956. This market has a fantastic butcher shop along with a ton of local products and amazing service.

Uncover Durham's Nightlife Secrets

106 Main

Duck into this no-frills Main Street dive for a surprisingly robust liquor selection, complete with a one of the most carefully curated whiskey collections around. Enjoy drinks with friends while 2000s-era music videos play on the TV. 106 Main also has some of the cheapest beers in Durham.

Delafia

Opened by one of the founders of Bar Lusconi, a legendary East Main Street wine bar, Delafia continues its predecessors legacy with intimate vibes and updated offerings. Their by-the-glass list changes almost daily, so there's always an opportunity to find your new favorite wine. For those who desire consistency, they also have a few staples, including a delicious chilled red on tap.

Crafts and Drafts NC

This woman-founded venture was the passion project of Virginia George, who left a tech job to bring her dream to fruition. This D.I.Y. bar endeavors to "bring communities together through creative exploration and continuous learning." Here, you can get a craft set or bring your own to share a drink and a creative experience with friends or family. Kids are invited too!

Gojo

Coffee shop by day and party space by night, Gojo is an easily missed gem in the Brightleaf District. This unassuming spot opens up after dark into a party space where downtown visitors can drop in for dancing, hookah or bottle service.

Night School Bar

One of the most unique spots in town, Night School Bar is exactly what its name suggests. Here, guests can take part in donation-based evening classes taught by expert instructors in the arts and humanities, all while enjoying a drink. You don't have to attend a class to enjoy a drink here, but we recommend engaging both your mind and your taste buds for a top-notch night.

Rubies on Five Points

Rubies on Five Points is a must for any dive bar fan. Basking in a red glow, you can find quirky artwork, live music, dance parties and great drink specials.

Retail Hidden Gems in Durham

Bull City Running Co. Store

If you've been wondering where to get that ‘RUN DRM’ swag, you've come to the right place. Voted best running store in the Triangle by Indy Week, this retailer is “dedicated to building a community of runners and walkers.”

Parker & Otis at The Nasher Museum

In a unique, first-of-its kind collaboration, Duke's Nasher Museum has teamed up with independent-retailer, Parker & Otis, to introduce the museum's new and improved gift shop. Enjoy the museum's interesting exhibits and then pick out a trinket from Parker & Otis's carefully curated selection to commemorate your visit.

Queen George's Ginger

Once you eat and drink your way through Durham, you're going to want to take something home with you to remember your trip. Look for Queen George's Ginger in specialty food stores like Parker & Otis, Bulldega or Sundries at LocoPops, or buy it from the source at Lil' Farm's stand at the Farmers' Market. Use it to stock your bar or bake and cook with it. The farm-fresh ginger flavor will add a satisfying zing to any recipe.

Wentworth & Leggett Rare Books

Stroll on down to Brightleaf Square to enter a world of old knowledge and stories. Owned by husband and wife David Wentworth and Barbara Leggett Wentworth, this book store has been operating for 42 years in its current location. Wentworth and Leggett sells antique books for the discerning collector and used books for the thrifty reader.

North Carolina Landmarks and Wonders

Bronto

Welcome to... Jurassic Par- well, not quite. But there is a 77-ft long fiberglass dinosaur along Ellerbee Creek Trail. You know it’s a hidden gem when it says “Durham’s hidden dinosaur” on Google Maps. The sauropod was even featured in Atlas Obscura.

Satellite Park

Next to the Duke Arts Annex on Gattis St, you'll find a unique art exhibit. Inside Durham's Burch Avenue Neighborhood, there were a bunch of decommissioned satellite dishes from Duke Tel Com department in the 90s. Instead of sending them to the scrap heap, organizers turned them into a work of art. Each satellite was painted by a different local artist. The park is open from dawn until dusk.

Hideaway Woods & The Butterfly House

For those looking for kid-friendly roadside attractions in North Carolina, look no further than Durham's Museum of Life and Science. The two-acre Hideaway Woods transports those with an imagination to a magical land in the trees full of treehouses, rope bridges, slides and more. For even more wonder and amazement, step into Magic Wings, a 35 foot tall glass conservatory where visitors can gaze upon butterflies from around the globe.

Sennett Hole

Although its official name is Sennett Hole, it’s more commonly known as Turtle Hole. It’s an almost 2-mile round trip through the woods from West Point on the Eno City Park so be prepared for a trek. This is also a destination you DO NOT want to get the directions for on Google Maps. Check out this map for directions to Turtle Hole.

For those of you who might be worried that we just spoiled your favorite secret swimming hole, fear not. People have been posting photos of Turtle Hole on Instagram for years.

The Vince and Ethel Simonetti Historic Tuba Museum

Imagine: five rooms filled with 328 instruments procured from around the world by a passionate, knowledgeable couple. Come for the atmosphere, but stay for the vast expertise and storytelling about this musical behemoth invented in 1835. Vince joined the NC Symphony in the middle of the 20th century after discovering the tuba after playing trumpet as a younger musician. He and Ethel never looked back, and now, you get to reap the benefits of tubas everywhere.

Durham County Treasures

Craven Allen Gallery & House of Frames

Local gallery owners Keith Allen Wenger and John Craven Bloedorn have devoted their space to spotlighting North Carolina's best artists. Craven Allen also boasts one of North Carolina's best framing businesses.

Mettlesome Theater

This Durham based performance and production collective is the perfect spot to catch some improv, a theatrical production, or attend a class. Located in the Goldenbelt Campus, Mettlesome provides the community with an invaluable outlet to pursue the arts.

The Scrap Exchange

Craft supplies, curios and consigned clothing abound at this unique Durham destination. Nationally recognized for its commitment to reuse, The Scrap Exchange is the perfect place to go for whatever craft you're dreaming up. They have bins of odds-and-ends, rolls of random fabric, and even a full clothing and furniture thrift shop.

You might be thinking at this point, "Where do I even begin?" The good news is that you can't go wrong with any of these choices. But, what would be smart to decide first, is where to stay. Check out our 70+ lodging options, ranging from AAA Four Diamond properties and locally owned boutique hotels to convenient spots along major thoroughfares and other bed and breakfasts off the beaten path.