Big Bad Breakfast in Durham crushed the Shrimp & Grits. The sautéed Gulf shrimp were perfectly cooked, the bacon and tomatoes added a smoky-sweet bite, and the Carolina Grit Co. grits were rich and creamy. The red-eye gravy and tomato broth brought big, savory flavor, and the fried egg on top made it next-level comfort food. If you’re debating what to order—this is it. Our waitress Faith was excellent.
PRL
Jan 20, 2026
4
I came to town for the Chris Brown concert, and before heading out, my friend and I wanted a good breakfast to wrap up the trip. After checking with the hotel front desk, we decided to try this spot -- and it did not disappoint.
It was surprisingly busy for a Wednesday morning, but the service was still great. Our waitress was super polite and even gave us some helpful recommendations. The food was incredibly filling and downright comforting -- the kind of meal that makes you want to take a nap afterward because it's that good.
I'll definitely be back anytime I'm in the area!
Cat H
Jan 20, 2026
3
Great service. Good food. Gluten free options! Really not anything super special. It looks pretty. Over $100 for breakfast for 4. When the Door opens there is a rush of cold air.
Zay McCullough
Dec 29, 2025
5
I arrived at 10:46am on a Sunday for a date. I was told it would be a 10-15 min wait. We only waited about 5 minutes.
Sarah was waitress who came a minute after being seated. We got the breakfast margarita and breakfast dude to drink, along with waters.
We ordered food at 11:04am. Waitress said cocktails are almost ready. We got the flapjacks to share. I got chicken and waffle plus bacon. My date got mother of all biscuit and grits.
The drinks came at 11:13am and food came at 11:17am. All of it was enjoyable with no complaints. I had enough to take home and eat later on that day. Service was good for how busy it was. I liked the back of the staff shirts, it made me giggle. I definitely would return !
Latina
Dec 15, 2025
5
A place To Go for your cravings of wholesome Breakfast!😋 Best Biscuit thus far in Durham!. Descent price for fresh food. Server Sara was Welcoming,Friendly and Professional. I will definitely return! Highly Recommend.
Boris Yadiel
Dec 2, 2025
5
Amazing describes it all. The moment you walk in it feels different, much more friendly environment, they’re very welcoming. Prices in my opinion were very reasonable and portions are fitting and filling for the price. Food has so many different unique flavors. It’s a must try!
Zach Attack
Nov 7, 2025
5
Our first time in here and it was great, we will definitely be back. The cappuccino was hot and tasty. The waffles were cooked perfectly and the chicken was flavorful. The waitress was friendly and kept up with everything. Pricing was on point for the quality we received.
Joshua Goodman
Nov 1, 2025
5
What a great breakfast spot! Especially for those Gluten Free (GF) folks - they have a gluten free menu. Coffee is good, better the most diner coffee, I had the Creole omelet and my wife had the Jack Benny (GF).
We will be back!
Kathy Salsbury
Sep 29, 2025
5
We were leaving Durham to travel back home to Suffolk, VA, and needed “fuel” for the ride home. A Google search found us Big Bad Breakfast.
What a treat! We got there right around 10, and it’s a good thing we did. After we finished our meal, there was a line out the door for tables.
Everything they make here is from scratch, including the jams and jellies. Fantastic.
Hubby ordered the Big Bad Breakfast and I had the Avocado Toast with Eggs. The flavors of added ingredients to the toast worked so well together. Radish slices, pico de gallo, red onion, arugula and red pepper flakes. So good
We shared an order of French toast. The homemade whipped cream was yummy. 😋
The OJ was fresh squeezed and so good.
The coffee was so flavorful and bold. Really, really good. Best we’ve enjoyed in a long time.
Our waitress, Jenna, was very accommodating and attentive. She added to the overall experience.
We would definitely eat here again.
Thomas
Jul 21, 2025
5
Breakfast like this gave me a Big Bad existential crisis; really had me asking the real questions.
How can I call myself a man if I can't make flapjacks this fluffy?
Will my nursing home be this warm and welcoming when I'm old?
The food was great, the service was better, and the selection was exceptional (when's the last time you went to a breakfast spot that serves andouille sausage).
Come for breakfast, stay for the crushing reality that your future/current spouse will never make you breakfast in bed that is this good.
Todd Cherner
Jul 11, 2025
5
I liked it. Their menu is strong with both traditional and Cajun-style dishes. The portion were decent sized and the vibe was friendly. No Belgian waffles on the kids’ menu, so my 7-year old polished off the adult size ;) I did really enjoy this place and their biscuits were very tasty (and I’m a bagel and muffin guy!) Strong rec!
Lea Christofferson
May 18, 2025
5
We had an awesome experience at Big Bad Breakfast! The food was spot-on — the biscuits are made fresh every day and you can definitely taste it. I had the two egg breakfast with french toast as a side and it was absolutely delicious. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, definitely try the crème brûlée grapefruit. It’s unique, refreshing, and totally worth it.
On top of all that, the service was excellent. Our server, Isaiah, was friendly, attentive, and really made us feel welcome. He gave great recommendations and checked in just the right amount. Overall, a great experience and great food — We will definitely be back
Vanessa Duran
May 4, 2025
5
Amazing and delicious food
I got the jack benny and it was a perfect combination , the hollandaise sauce was so good and savory
My boyfriend try the cat head with tomato gravy and it was fantastic !
The food came out really fast and the service is great
S Jackson
May 3, 2025
5
What can I say but AMAZING! Big Bad Breakfast (BBB) was great! This was my first time visiting the restaurant and the food was soooo good. I had the famous Belgium Waffle with fruit (and powdered sugar) YUM 😋. I heard it was a staple in the community and a top notch breakfast spot in Durham NC and a place you MUST visit while in the Bull City. And, let’s just say….BBB you delivered! What also added to this great experience was our AMAZING waitress, Elizabeth. She had SUPERB customer service from the moment we sat down to the moment we were leaving. I will definitely pass the word to family, friends, and coworkers of this special breakfast location in Durham NC. I definitely will be back BBB!
Kelly A. Calhoun
Apr 20, 2025
5
We wanted to try somewhere new in Durham to get brunch after the Sunrise Easter Service at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens near the Duke Chapel.
The service was wonderful! Ashlea explained the creative creole flair of the menu well and even offered some homemade hot sauce to go with our meal which was really tasty.
The decor here is so cute and the food was delicious. I ordered the creole one late with dressed greens. Definitely try the Red Gravy on whatever you get. 🍳
Kristy Hagan
Apr 17, 2025
5
I finished an appointment early and hit up the google for a local breakfast spot, oh my GAH! This place was amazing! My breakfast scramble griddle was delicious, they brought out homemade hot sauce that I would eat on a flip flop, and even had some homemade jam for my biscuit! Sooooooo good! Waitress was awesome too !
