There’s a new vegan restaurant in town and the food is purely delicious to the soul. Located on Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., the restaurant has a huge covered patio that is overflowing with plants and flowers.
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Hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
So, let me start out by saying that I am not a vegan. Not in the least. But, trying to find healthier options to eat when I can. I have a friend who is plant based and preaches of its benefits, so I give it a go sometimes. Okay, enough about me. Looked up Pure Soul prior to visiting the area. Decided to give it a try. SO glad I did. I had the fish plate (yes, fish at a vegan spot), and it was delicious. I was the slightest bit skeptical due to the appearance, but the flavor was top tier. The Mac and Cheese was delicious as well. The greens were delicious. See a pattern here? Also had hush puppies, which didn't survive the ride back to the hotel. The Arnold Palmer was outstanding. It was so good, came back the next day. Ordered the drumsticks. Southern fried. While you have to watch for the stick inside, the drumsticks were also, you guessed it, delicious. In less than 16 hours, I probably ordered half the menu to try some of everything I could. All the flavor, but none of the guilt. The staff was friendly and I even got to meet the owner. Class act guy. My issue with plant based food at times is flavor or someone saying that they have a plant based version of a meat dish and it's nothing like the meat dish. Neither are an issue with Pure Soul. If you're looking for a fantastic meal, good vibes, and great service, check them out. It's not just good vegan food. It's just darn good food.
Sherly Moore
Oct 22, 2025
5
This is going to be a lengthy review and I appreciate anyone who decides to read it all.
Yesterday was the first time I been to Pure Soul.
I was having a really bad day. My baby was having a difficult time and was crying on and off for an hour. Every time I would settle her and try to go back inside to order my food, she would start crying again.
My first experience with this restaurant started with the patrons. The kind of people that come into this establishment are such caring, amazing individuals. There was someone sitting at the table inside and my baby starts crying again and I start to walk outside. The patron stopped and asked me. “How can I support you?” I turned to them and I said, “I don’t think that there is anything that you can do in this situation but I appreciate you seeing me. What I needed in this moment was to be seen.” They then said, “I see you. You’re not alone.” Even the people outside that were eating weren’t bothered by my fussing baby. Sometimes it’s very difficult for me to go out without fear of someone being disturbed by my baby existing.
I finally order my food and Azure greets me with a smile and politely listens as I tell them about my difficult day.
In order from left to right, I end up getting:
* Sticky sweet potato cake (I think I messed this name up lol)
* Sweet potato pie
* Pecan bar
* Sweet potato fries and the mushroom Swiss burger
I’ll preface this by saying I’m an omnivore but back in the day I was vegan. I now have a dairy allergy.
Dessert first because I’m an adult:
The sweet potato pie is classic. Flaky crust, warm spices. Great, firm texture from the filling itself.
The pecan bar meets me in my dreams at night. Flaky bottom, chewy filling, crunchy pecans on top. Perfect ratio and definitely satisfies the sweet craving without it being sickenly sweet!
The sticky sweet potato cake is my absolute favourite. Not too dense, has those fall spices and nice sponginess from the cake.
Burger Time
The bun on the burger is delectable. Perfectly soft, but the outside crust has enough “give” to sustain the heft of the burger. Sautéed mushrooms and onions are amazing. The Swiss? Perfectly melted and has that “bite” like regular Swiss has. The homemade pickles are light, crisp, and refreshing. The ranch also gives a brightness that complements the burger well.
Andrew stopped by my table as I was eating to ask how everything was going and we had a great conversation about food and life.
They pay their employees a livable wage so they don’t have to rely on customers’ tips!
I could go on and on about this place. I have rarely ever been to a restaurant where the name lives up to everything. From the staff, decor, food, AND the patrons. I am excited to become a regular here!
Jen Johnson
Oct 3, 2025
5
Absolutely spectacular, and I say that as a non-vegan! Everything was absolutely delicious, including my freshly-squeezed fruit drink. But if you want to try something outrageously fabulous, get the “shrimp!” The texture, the flavor, the appearance…perfection! Enjoy! PS - They pay a living wage and do not take tips! Amazing. ❤️
Brendel Mack
Sep 27, 2025
5
Pure Soul is always worth the stop when we travel from Virginia to South Carolina. Andrew is amazing, so polite, kind, and always goes above and beyond whether we dine in or order to go. The food is consistently delicious, with great quality that’s hard to find in all-vegan restaurants. My whole family loves it (even my picky toddler approves!), and the prices are very reasonable. If you’re looking for incredible vegan soul food and comfort food, this is the place to go!
Ashleigh Benoit
Sep 1, 2025
5
I eat a vegan diet, and have for eight years, and have never had vegan bbq this good. I didn’t know I missed eastern bbq so much until I took a bite of this and wanted to cry. Ah, the vinegar!! All the sides were amazing, and I especially enjoyed the collards. My boyfriend, who is not vegan, also got a bbq plate and was impressed by everything. We’re not in the area often, but hope to come back when we can. Thanks for the amazing food!
kara barbee
Aug 25, 2025
5
Highly recommend! I had the impossible cheeseburger with mayo and honey mustard on the side and it was super tasty - great texture, too! It was my first visit and I wanted to try a variety of sides, so I got the side plate so I got a total of 4 sides. I chose the Mac n cheese, kale Caesar salad, black eyed peas with veggies and the sweet potato fries. All were delicious, but the sweet potato fries and the kale salad were next level! I mentioned it was my first time there and they gave me a free watermelon lemonade, also delicious, and much appreciated. The atmosphere was so cute and comfortable - plants inside and out, great music, and friendly people. This will definitely be one of my regular spots!
Monika Belur
Jul 30, 2025
5
Run, don’t walk to eat here! Absolutely delicious food, a great mix of textures and flavors. I picked up take out for a group of 7 celebrating a birthday and we were blown away by how much we loved the food. My favs were Hot honey chicken, the soul bowl, the kale ceaser and the egg rolls. The only thing is that they forgot the Bilbo greens in my order , but I may just go back today and get it. ☺️
Brooke Brady-Cronce
Jun 14, 2025
5
Delicious food! This was my second visit to Pure Soul and I loved it. The BBQ is flavorful and has a great texture. The vegan mac and potato salad are delicious as well. Huge fan of the soul rolls too! I highly recommend this restaurant.
liron asher
May 24, 2025
4
It is pretty solid for a vegan restaurant. I did find that some items on the menu are much better than others, but I’m definitely going back. The service was great and the atmosphere was relaxed/friendly. I do wish I tried one of their deserts (since they looked delicious), but maybe next time. Thumbs up overall.
Sonja Miltner
Apr 28, 2025
5
High quality, clean and delicious vegan eats! Lots of delicious variety to satisfy your soul food desires! The NC BBQ sandwich is amazing and I love how the slaw is on the side for you to add later. Make sure you get sweet potato fries with honey mustard as well as cornbread with hot honey to dip the cornbread into!!
Shelby Hughes
Apr 9, 2025
5
The eastern barbecue sandwich had me nearly crying tears of joy. It’s been at least a decade since I’ve had pork barbecue and I don’t think I’ve seen a plant-based version with eastern Carolina sauce until this. It was everything I had hoped it would be. I wish I lived closer cause I would be here all the time.
Terrence Sellars
Mar 15, 2025
5
A hidden Gem in the Durham area. Ok, I’m a Meat eater so this is New to me. But a pleasant surprise great spin on the way we look at food choices. Reese took order she is an excellent young lady she was able to explain the menu options excellent food for the price point.
Avery Holton
Jan 28, 2025
5
Full disclosure: I had no idea this was a vegan BBQ joint. After growing up in Texas and missing BBQ for years, I heard rave reviews about the spot and came in with high hopes. When I got to the joint, I was met with fantastic staff and the surprise of the vegan menu. Absolutely no way they could pull off pulled pork or bacon soaked greens. But holy hell, did they. This spot is amazing. The pulled pork was damn good (even the texture was pretty spot on). The greens were savory and delicious, and the corn bread was spot on. Kinda glad I didn’t do my homework well enough because I might have missed this. What a meal, and what a gem. 👏
Lauren Citrone
Jan 28, 2025
5
Pure Soul is truly a hidden gem! From the moment we walked in, we were charmed by the fun and vibrant atmosphere. The decor was eclectic and inviting, with plenty of interesting things to admire, like books, cookbooks, and beautiful plants. It created such a cozy and enjoyable environment to relax and enjoy a meal.
The food was absolutely amazing, especially for our family with gluten-free needs. They had so many delicious gluten-free options, and it was such a relief to find a place where my toddlers not only had options but ate so much! Watching them enjoy their food was such a joy.
On top of that, the staff was incredibly nice and welcoming. They took the time to walk us through the menu, explaining options and making sure we were comfortable with our choices. Their kindness and attentiveness really elevated the whole experience.
We had such a great time that we’re already looking forward to our next visit. Pure Soul is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for amazing food, a great vibe, and top-notch service!
Marsha Wallace
Jan 16, 2025
4
First-timer stopping through after an appointment and was excited. The food was GOOD (although I could have used another piece of that "fish") on plate#1. The plate comes with 2 pieces (I had already eaten 1). Plate#2 was a vege only plate - it was hard to decide 😅- and I was not disappointed!
Katherine Venturo-Conerly
Dec 28, 2024
5
Wow! What delicious food! I haven’t come across much vegan soul food before and was so excited to try this — we had the NC BBQ Plate and a plate with three sides (mac and cheese, greens, and black eyed peas) and everything was just delicious. I’d definitely recommend stopping by!
Dave Thompson
Dec 26, 2024
5
They call it Pure Soul but to me every bite is pure bliss. The vibe is chill and the food is hot and wholesome bursting with flavor. The service is on point. All the food is cruelty free and all of the packaging is environmental friendly is the standard they set. The atmosphere is as welcoming as opening the door to your friend’s place who invited you for lunch. The flavor profiles are satiating and the portions leave you feeling full. Sometimes I drive two hours for the experience.
Lee McCann
Dec 2, 2024
5
Came down from Richmond to go dress shopping, we found this restaurant on google and wanted to give it a try. Was not expecting the best food I’ve ever had in almost a decade of being vegan/gluten free! We overheard a worker saying they had been on a “top 10 vegan restaurants in the US” list and I was not surprised to hear this. So glad we stumbled upon this. I would drive down again just to eat. Amazing 😍
