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The Federal

4.3

914 W Main St
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 680-8611
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Google Reviews

Photo of Josh Brown Josh Brown
Jan 11, 2024 5

This place is the absolute best. The staff are super engaging and really personable. It's a cool older bar with excellent food that isn't bad food. Even the wings seem like something you'd eat at a ridiculously overpriced swanky restaurant. Go for the alcohol if you like. Go for the food if that's your draw. But go. The people are the best part.

Photo of Natalie Roque Natalie Roque
Nov 10, 2023 5

Loved this restaurant! We were leaving a nearby bar, and were so pleased this was open late. Our food was delicious, and the menu was expansive ( quesadillas, burgers with fried eggs, etc) and exquisite! Our server, Connie was incredible! We were visiting for family weekend, as our daughter is attending Duke. Connie told us about all the nearby hotspots, and made our night extra special. She was very patient, king, genuine, caring, expedient, and talented. We were lucky to have found this gem of Durham, with the kindest waitress we have met!

Photo of Donna Turner Donna Turner
Nov 4, 2023 5

Enjoyed a late lunch after getting to Durham. Plenty of seats and great bartender/server that was attentive. We started with pimento deviled eggs. They were slightly spicy and full of flavor. The tuna tostadas were large and packed with tuna and slaw. The aoili on top was a perfect pairing. The Federal burger was cooked perfectly to order and was super juicy. The fries were an enormous amount and crispy. Definitely worth a stop when in town.

Photo of Richard LaBennett Richard LaBennett
Oct 15, 2023 4

Nice local watering hole with a solid kitchen and friendly bartenders. The fries and variations of apps are pretty good. The nachos are excellent. I had the lamb burger special which was decent but wouldn’t order it again.

Photo of Daikwon Redfearn Daikwon Redfearn
May 27, 2023 5

The service here was exceptional. I stopped by to pick up an order and Sam was working all by his self. He kept me updated, he didn’t get frustrated, and he was very quick all while handling like 8 customers at one time. This guy is amazing and If he is not already, he needs to be a manager. This is the guy to look for if you stop by this amazing place!

Photo of AdventureAttorney AdventureAttorney
May 21, 2023 4

Fun little dive bar in downtown Durham. Connie made a great Old Fashioned and her and Eric were very welcoming.