Geer Street Garden is a locally focused restaurant and bar located in the former Fletcher’s Gulf Station on the corner of Foster and Geer Streets downtown. Serving burgers, sandwiches, salads, special plates and drinks in the relaxed atmosphere of a bar and patio, this restaurant is excellent for both small and large groups. It is an OG restaurant of sorts, with "The Pile" menu item as a must-try on any trip to Durham. For the record, it is not actually a garden, but its covered patio is one of the most coveted picnic seats in Durham.
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Hours:
Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
I stopped by w my 2 Aussies on my way to my sis's in Cary (I just moved to Richmond from Austin this Fall and marked up places I wanted to check out btw there and here now that I can visit by car rather than plane). Very friendly staff, great service by Kristen and the bartender Jen was cool too just to come out to see the dogs, the covered patio was quite cool w the fans on and the patio area itself was both large and pretty, encased by plants on all sides w some Japanese lamps strung along the ceiling to set the vibe with good music. Shout out to Kimberly and Rose tendin my dogs w love while I ventured around to take pictures. The ambiance you can see in the menu reminded me of a fusion health place that was unafraid to still offer a burger, fries, and wings. I had grilled asparagus with parmesan & a perfect sunny side up egg over it all to make it decadent, and I also had the deviled eggs. Feeling good, I over-indulged w an order of wings too. I figure all that is under 1000 calories and 10-15 g. carbs so yay me for my only meal of the day (keto sux). Add 200 cal of whiskey and I'm good to go. Prices are reasonable, but you can't put a price on a cool, shaded, outdoor patio that allows dogs, even if mine were the only in attendance...there are water bowls everywhere here! Just sayin, I'd pay more. It's a relaxed atmosphere, so don't be scared of some of the elevated menu choices. I haven't found a place in Cary or Richmond like this that serves liquor, so I think I have found my fix everytime I venture between. 5 stars!
Roberta Ross
May 7, 2025
5
It was such a beautiful night with people out everywhere, so I was a little surprised we got a table outside. It wouldn’t have been too busy except for the bar and large party. So, it was loud, but fun. It’s probably not usually that loud, but it’s part of the atmosphere. Fun. Our waitress was direct and to the point and no complaints about that. We could see she was busy with that big party. The staff were all helping each other so we didn’t notice any delays in our service. I loved my fish tacos. It was three nicely seasoned and grilled pieces of catfish on grilled corn tortillas. The pico was great, fresh and nicely balanced with heat and onion. Such a tiny cup didn’t seem like it would be enough, but you didn’t need a lot. Oh, then you add the cabbage! Just a bit of heat, spices and a perfect vinegar blend, but I couldn’t quite figure that out. My waitress didn’t offer help on that, but she was busy. I guess I go back and try again. We also had the burger and it was good. I loved the bun. Fries were a bit limp, but not greasy. Not a fan of that style myself, but some people are. I would definitely recommend going here for a really tasty meal and to enjoy the atmosphere.
Shawn Thiel
Apr 22, 2025
5
This place is off the CHAIN!
Visiting Durham and found this 💎
Sat outside with our huskies and they brought them a bowl of water.
Brunch is awesome!!! The whole place has a cool, laid-back vibe.
The staff and service were top-notch.
My only complaint - they need something like this in Monroe or Charlotte.
Shane Dowler
Apr 20, 2025
4
We stopped by Geer Street Garden while driving through town and were pleasantly surprised! We sat out on the patio, which had a relaxed vibe and was perfect for brunch.
The service was friendly and welcoming, and there were a few solid brunch options to choose from.
The inside of the restaurant looked really cool—definitely a spot with character. Worth a visit if you're in the area!
AVERY DANZIGER
Mar 24, 2025
5
A truly fabulous experience in every way. Professional, courteous, and incredibly kind staff.
Sundy brunch is a treat!
Endless, very tasty breakfast menu. Separate generous salmon & bagel plate.
Excellent endless coffee.
A really great place to dine!
Highly recommended !
Susan Jacques
Mar 14, 2025
5
We love this place. Tonight we had an excellent meal, always an interesting mix of options, and the service was exceptional, starting with a friendly employee who came over just to see our dog. (I love that we can bring her!) Everyone was do genuine and helpful. A Durham classic with the best spinach salad!
Han VanderHart
Feb 22, 2025
5
We love Geer Street Garden—a regular haunt, drop in for lunch on a busy work day, weekend drink spot. Andy is just amazing, and TAKE A LOOK at the glorious Daikon Radish Cake in the photo, which was so delicate and fragrant and perfect (omg!). Chinese week is a particular favorite for my partner and me, but you should ALWAYS try the specials, as the menu changes to reflect local produce and everything is delicious—the bruschetta, the salads, the gnocchi! I particularly love the tofu bánh mì. Special shout out to Mark and Brian, who are also extraordinary artists in addition to serving your delicious food and being wonderful human beings to talk with, even during hectic lunch times when they are handling a great many tasks ❤️ We love you, Geer Street!
Will Slater
Feb 5, 2025
5
We’ve been coming to Geer Street for years and love it. Sitting out on the patio feels like you’re tucked away and it’s great all year. The food is great and when we’ve rarely had issues with the food they’ve always made it right. We love bringing people from out of town here!
John Louie
Dec 31, 2024
5
Durham- Special of the day Picadillo Burrito: LOCAL, PASTURE-RAISED BEEF PICADILLO, BLACK BEANS, MEXICAN RICE,
PICO DE GALLO, CHEDDAR, SALSA ROJA, CREMA & GUACAMOLE, nicely grilled. It was accompanied by good guacamole, which I didn’t expect to get outside Mexico or the US Southwest!
I drank a draft EEP RIVER CHOCOLATE STOUT NITRO, from CLAYTON, NC, rather nice.
James Hastings
Nov 17, 2024
5
We tried this place on a whim. The Pile is amazing. So were the jalapeño cheddar hushpuppies and the chicken cheesesteak too. Friendly service and great atmosphere indoors and out
Liz Recchia
Nov 3, 2024
5
Love the outdoor patio. Dog friendly. Amazing service and vibes! Delicious food. Love the ordering style. High recommend and will return.
Quentin you were an absolute breath of fresh air and we hope to see you again!!
diastolic crab86
Oct 28, 2024
3
This place has the feel of a cozy bar and a nice patio. Unfortunately, the music was so loud it was impossible to have a conversation. Bartender seemed the only one enjoying it. We didn't stay to eat, just had a beer.
Chad Gorman
Oct 22, 2024
4
Random stop as I was traveling through North Carolina. The atmosphere was really cool in this place, fun and vibrant. I was with family, and we ordered the Szechuan Wings, a Ruben, and a Cheese Burger. For drinks, I tried the Epp River Chocolate Nitro Stout 😋Family had Sangria 😋and a soda.
The drinks were great and the burger was delicious. The wings and Ruben were great to look at, but just average taste. Not terrible, but not fantastic either. The fries were good as well.
Jacob Wierengo
Oct 17, 2024
5
Had a handful of small plates and a meal each for our small group of five. The outdoor seating area is cool, and different. The drinks were good, the pile was a unique dish that we all really enjoyed!
Richard Jones
Jun 10, 2024
5
Geer Street Garden was a pleasant surprise. It had a nice outside area. The server was pleasant and informative. The Szuchwan wings were delicious. Full of flavor, crispy but not dried out. Well priced. Definitely worth the trip.
