A hidden gem on North Pointe Drive, Esmeralda's Cafe offers a diverse selection of tea, coffee, fresh pastries and fresh fruit. This family-owned and operated location also has a full breakfast menu. “We are passionate about what we do because we have a love for food, drink, music and great service.”
Share
Hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
By far one of the best restaurants in Durham. I always get the ribeye, and it never disappoints! I especially love that I can get anything on the menu, at any time during the day. The space is large and there is a full bar. They offer delivery as well! There is a large parking lot to accommodate the large dining area that is very open. There is also an outdoor picnic area with umbrellas. It’s also kid-friendly and the staff are very kind. If you’re in a rush, call ahead to place the order.
Michael
Mar 28, 2025
5
The coffee is absolutely amazing. The food is so good too! it was pretty busy and we had to wait just a little bit but it was worth it!
Elika Emerick
Mar 15, 2025
5
By far one of the best restaurants in Durham. I always get the ribeye and it never disappoints. I especially love that I can get anything on the menu at any time during the day. The space is large and there is a full bar. They offer delivery as well!
Batts Body & Paint
Jan 19, 2025
5
The food and coffee were amazing!! We will come back for sure when in town!
Huibertjan Fousert
Jan 11, 2025
5
Let me tell you:
1- great service, friendly waitress and being checked upon several times
2- super speedy
3- delicious and authentic Honduran breakfast! (Fresh tortillas)
4- go to this place
NSA
Dec 25, 2024
3
Came here twice this week.
the first time I ordered pick up and waited 20 minutes ! mind you it was a delicious fried chicken sandwich and it was missing ranch 😅 from the RANCH chicken.
Second time, I sat down and food was ready in 4 minutes. I kid you not I was shocked. my order was different,but my friend still got hers in less than 10 minutes.
again the food delicious . delicious pesto panini
drinks arrived much later
place is very casual, they also serve donuts and muffins
I'll probably come back but feel unsure about the wait time
Bee Randiii2018
Dec 18, 2024
5
On my way to work one morning I was searching for breakfast burritos and came across this little gem. They have such a great atmosphere and the coffee that I was seeing, I can’t wait to get back in there and try. My burrito was good vegetables could have been cut smaller or cooked longer but other than that it was so good I definitely recommend giving them a try.
Britt Taylor
Dec 15, 2024
5
Esmeralda’s is my go-to spot. I love to come here for a cappuccino and breakfast food. Love the baleada de pollo (chicken baleada) and the desayuno catracho (Honduran breakfast). Love the staff here. Not only can they attend to you in English and Spanish, but they work hard and fast to make sure customers have what they need, which is not easy considering how busy they are. Honduran plates are their specialty and the pasta plates are great. Go check them out if you haven’t already!
Steve (BigGreek)
Nov 7, 2024
3
Wanted to stop in and grab a coffee and support a local business. Asked for a decaf latte and the guy behind the counter seemed kinda confused. He then asked if I meant a decaf latte or something else because their lattes are pre-made? He gave me what I assume was a latte but it most certainly wasn't decaf... It didn't taste very good, so I definitely wouldn't recommend it. I did get a donut while we were there and that was freaking delicious. They're HUGE donuts and even towers the end of the day they didn't taste dry at all. Would definitely recommend the donuts.
Latte - 5/10
Glazed Donut - 9/10
Asha Singh
Jul 26, 2024
5
Stopped here for food after driving from DC to NC for work. The food was great, big portions, fast service and delicious. You know the food is going to be excellent when almost everyone inside including staff are speaking Spanish. Loved it!
Shaun Conlin
Jul 22, 2024
5
I've seen this pop up, but never had the chance to try it. As we were heading to Costco, we decided to have lunch here, and it was a great decision! We were welcomed in and told to sit wherever we'd like, and we were quickly greeted with menus. A lot of the menu is in Spanish with translations underneath, and a wide variety of foods to choose from. My wife and I couldn't decide between the omelette and the French toast platter, so ultimately we decided to get both and split them. Both dishes were fantastic! Friday and Saturday they have live music if you're interested in that, but being a Sunday it was relatively quiet. They were pretty busy, and I can see why, the food and service is great! About halfway through we saw on one of the TV's they also have a (new?) location in Butner, and since we live there, we will definitely check it out!
