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 !
Chris Reese
Jan 21, 2025
5
Big Bad Breakfast in Durham truly lives up to its name! From the moment we walked in, we were impressed by the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The interior is beautifully designed, with a modern yet cozy vibe that makes you want to linger and enjoy your meal. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that we felt right at home and had everything we needed throughout our visit.
For our meal, I ordered the steak and eggs with a side of their spicy bacon, and I couldn’t have been happier with my choice. The steak was cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and seasoned just right—and the eggs were perfectly done. The spicy bacon added an extra kick of flavor that I absolutely loved; it’s a must-try if you visit. My wife went with the biscuits and gravy, and they were absolutely divine. The biscuits were fluffy and buttery, and the gravy was rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning. She also ordered a pancake, which was light, fluffy, and generously portioned—a great addition to her meal.
Beyond the food, the service really stood out. Our server was attentive and friendly, making sure our coffee cups stayed full and that we had everything we needed without being intrusive. The attention to detail was clear in both the food and the overall dining experience.
Big Bad Breakfast offers the perfect combination of great food, excellent service, and a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to start your day or a laid-back spot to enjoy with family and friends, this place is a top-notch choice. We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in Durham!
Ashley Hester
Jan 14, 2025
5
Phenomenal experience! I highly recommend the French Toast, Belgian Waffles and Redneck Benny (see pictures!)
Everything was perfect, from the fresh squeezed orange juice to the sausage gravy, and everything in between. Service was fast and very courteous. Our server, Gabby, was such a sweet and bubbly presence. The fruit was so ripe and sweet. The in-house made whipped cream, so decadent! Just a charming little place for some very delicious and thoughtful brunch delicacies.
Jessica Powers
Dec 28, 2024
5
My husband and I wanted to try and new brunch place and it did not disappoint. The service was fantastic. Our server Zay was very friendly and knowledgeable. The biscuits and grits were delicious. Will be back soon!
Divyne Westbrook
Dec 28, 2024
4
We had Liz as our server and she was very nice and pleasant, even those that we called over out of no where. They gave great customer service and with a smile. I am not a fan of alcohol, didn’t like it in my French toast but the food was still delicious. Will done for breakfast here again, just not getting French toast. Thanks Liz!!!!
Amanda Wolfe
Nov 30, 2024
5
We ate here for brunch on a Saturday. We were seated quickly and our server was over immediately. Super clean and a nice atmosphere. The food arrived quickly - great when dining with a toddler! 😂 The food was delicious as was the latte I ordered. Everyone enjoyed their meal - which is a hard task with my crew. Best breakfast I've had in a long time! Nice job, BBB!
