Hours: Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday-Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
If you haven’t tried the iconic Southern staple of chicken and waffles, you may be wondering what makes it so special. When you try Dame’s Chicken and Waffles, you’ll understand. Their combination of crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, caramel drizzle and sweet schmears make a perfect meal for any time of day. Not sure where to start? Try their light brown leghorns complete with four drumsticks and a side of your choice. We'd be remiss not to advise you on 'schmears,' too -- sweet creme butters delicately whipped with the freshest natural ingredients. Our advice? Try them all.
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Hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Came from Charlotte for my birthday because I had heard all these wonderful things about Dame's. But to say, I was disappointed is an understatement.
Downside: Our waffles were not hot nor crispy. Which as you can see, the strawberry and creme butter didn't even melt when I put it on top, out of that little paper container. Hot syrup was an up charge to our surprise. Which when we asked our server for some, our waitress says, "that's why we don't even offer it because it's an up charge". So we had to use the cold packets on the table. Smh Also, our cheese grits wasn't hot either, not even hot enough to melt the shredded cheese on top or the butter I had to ask for to put in my grits myself. Our server was very inattentive and always on the run from her tables. Coffee refills and additional creamers had to be asked for numerous times til the others at our table just stopped asking. We had to stop her mid, sprint from the table to pick up used plates/trash to make room for additional items/plates. And the collard greens were basic and flavorless. The cup was full of greens juice that it spilled over the table & we have to wave her down again for additional napkins.
Upside: My fried catfish & strawberry mimosa was BANGINNNN‼️‼️‼️ But idk why they used crushed ice in a mimosa? But it was good. The Mac and cheese was tasty & came out hot with steam coming off it. Like every fried and baked food item should have. The fried chicken wings and chicken cutlets were good & hot and a nice portion size.
Lastly, the atmosphere was loud but spacious. The Black art/photography on the walls and in the restrooms was beautiful.
Honorable mention: The security guard in the parking lot was very nice and helpful. He was better and more attentive than our server. But thanks for having free parking right next to the restaurant. That's awesome!
So with all this being said, I've finally been to Dame's 🤷🏾♀️ but doubt I'll ever be back. However, keep in mind if reading this review: everybody has a bad day and maybe the back of the house-kitchen staff was short. Idk but first impressions are everlasting. So that's that.
Ashley Brown
Feb 6, 2026
5
I'm from Richmond, VA. I first experienced Dame's in 2015 visiting NCA&T and that was my first time eating chicken and waffles. Let me tell you, I've searched high and low and haven't found anything that compares. I returned to the area in 2019 and my first stop was Dames. Here I am visiting the area again in 2026 and I absolutely had to stop at Dames. The quality is just as good as I remembered 11 years ago. Not only is the food good, but the people that work there are attentive and treat you like family. If I wasn't 5 hours away in Northern Virginia, you bet I'd be at Dames every other week!! If you're looking for good chicken and waffles, you better stop at Dames!!
Emmie Dupont Roth
Jan 11, 2026
5
I dont normally write reviews but Seriously this place is such a gem!!! Not only is the service amazing (shout out to Jaci!) but the food is literally a religious experience its so good. If youre within 100 miles or an hour and a half its worth it I promise!!! The shrimp is worth ordering on its own but the shrimp and grits is killer. Of course the chicken is perfectly seasoned and the waffles are just the right amount of soft and fluffy!!! The only thing that could possibly be seen as a negative is that the tea is a tad bit too sweet (and Im from Louisiana). Food takes a second to come out but the atmosphere is great to hang and relax so the time flew by for us! The cook is also so sweet and humble! Overall incredible place and I WILL be coming back as many times as they'll let me.
Lois Plantefaber
Dec 23, 2025
5
A great place to enjoy good Southern food. The chicken was so moist, tender and tasty. Our server was delightful!
Tra Jackson
Dec 21, 2025
5
Our first visit there was absolutely unforgettable! Even though we were traveling out of town, we were amazed by the incredible food, vibrant atmosphere, and lively energy. The waffles and chicken were truly exceptional. It’s the ultimate spot to celebrate special moments like graduations, birthdays, or anniversaries. Our waitress, Maria R, was a delight. With affordable prices and a delicious experience, it's definitely a place you don’t want to miss!
Jane Rossetti
Nov 29, 2025
5
The most succulent, beautifully seasoned fried chicken cutlet I have ever eaten. I skipped the waffles for cheesy grits, and eggs over easy. Pure joy. The hosts are warm. The service is excellent. The photos and other wall displays are a great reminder (or instructor) of Durham’s rich Black history. Its location is out of the way, and worth your time to get there.
NESCOTT24
Aug 13, 2025
5
Good place to eat comfort food.
Chelsea is an amazing server. Clear to the point, super sweet and has great charisma.
Food: Chicken was delicious. Great flavor and cook. The breading on the chicken was perfect crunch. Nice and succulent.
Waffle is okay, not my favorite as I prefer a lighter batter. They a variety of smears and drizzles for your waffle and chicken to help enhance the flavor. Customize to your hearts desire. Mac n cheese had a nice herbal seasoning in it. Greens were solid.
Beer options limited but I did enjoy my Italian Pilsner. Try their lemonade and tea.
Paid street parking is available and there is a lot as well where you can validate your ticket.
Interior pays homage to jazz with the greats.
Monica C
Jun 28, 2025
4
The food was good. We used to go to the old place and this was our first time at the new place. The atmosphere and vibe were great. The waffles were still good. The chicken was really good even though the spices were changed somewhat but not always for the best in my opinion. Nonetheless, the chicken was good. It’s a great place to visit to celebrate a family milestone like a graduation, birthday or anniversary. Food prices are on the high end but worth it.
Keasha Jack-Lyles
May 25, 2025
5
This was a good experience. I got the chicken and waffles with grilled chicken. The portion size was perfect. Just enough to fill me up. I don't eat fried chicken any longer but was told it was really good and an order was made by the person eating it, so it must have been good. They also offer vegan options. The food was fresh, not sugary, and seasoned just right. Next time we visit I will definitely be going again.
Debra Q
May 16, 2025
4
Flavorful chicken and waffles - loved the peach/apricot butter. Our sides - collard greens, mac & cheese, and squash were good. Salmon was okay but overcooked and burned on each end. I realize that chicken and waffles is the specialty, but if something else is on the menu, it should be good, too.
Chelsea was our attentive server. Unfortunately, when we arrived, we waited three minutes before anyone acknowledged us. Chelsea noticed us and ask the host to seat us, so we were fortunate to have her as our server.
Jennifer Foxworthy
Apr 19, 2025
5
I read the reviews before deciding to check out Dame's Chicken and Waffles. So I wasn't sure what to expect but decided to take a chance. We went during a week day so it wasn't very busy. We were seated quickly and we were able to place our order with no problems. Each person in our group ordered something different. It was all delicious. The service was awesome! The atmosphere was calm and pleasant. I would recommend this restaurant.
Eboni M
Apr 6, 2025
5
I’ve never dined in so I can’t vouch for the service or atmosphere, but I can definitely vouch for the FOOD. I’ve ordered delivery from here 3-4 times now and it is consistently delicious and filling.
The portions are huge, the chicken is always well-seasoned, and the grits are perfectly buttered.
This has quickly become my favorite breakfast spot in Durham. 10/10 - Highly recommend!!
Zachary Tumlin
Apr 2, 2025
3
I had my first ever chicken and waffle at their Greensboro location in 2016 and it was one of the best meals of my life at the time. I was looking forward to having a local location when I moved years later, but so far, I have had three disappointing experiences and one good one. Service was incredibly slow the first time but has been better since, but now the chicken cutlet is likely thin and tough or overcooked and the waffle flat and limp. The grits are solid but a side. I would love to support black-owned, but I cannot take guests here knowing the food is unreliable.
