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
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 😍
Giulia Vittoria Daddi-Pentlicky
Nov 11, 2024
5
Eastern BBQ plate was delicious and plentiful . I have alpha-gal, so a lot of food allergies and I miss out on a lot of comfort and tasty food when traveling. Pure Soul delivered on all aspects. This will definitely be my go to vegan restaurant when visiting Dr.Commins
Janine
Oct 27, 2024
5
One bite and you know that you are tasting some pure soul magic. Food made with love and intentionality, for the body and soul. This food hits different. Best food I've eaten in Durham and the best vegan food I've eaten anywhere in the triangle!
Jaimie Gardner
Oct 11, 2024
5
First timer at Pure Soul. My daughter insisted we try it...vegan Soul food, and everything we tried was delicious. From the chi'kn burger, to the soul rolls, mac'n cheese, collard greens to the carrot cake. Loved it all. The service was excellent as well. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, we will definitely add this to our must do list when we go back to Durham.
Tamy Joseph
Oct 9, 2024
5
Whenever I have to work in Durham i am here. Absolutely love the food, if i could have it for lunch and dinner i would. Definitely top 4 best vegan restaurants in the RDU area.
They are one of the 2 vegan restaurants to understand the consistency that MAC should be and this is how it’s done properly.
Posted is one of the many recent meals i had and it was absolutely delicious. Would 12/10 recommend to everyone and anyone who has eyes and ears.
The desserts are just as fantastic, it’s almost dangerously delicious.
Can’t wait to go back for some more damn good food.
Thomas Lang
Sep 7, 2024
5
Delicious vegan soul food! It was my first time having plant based pulled pork, and honestly it was better than some “real” pulled pork I’ve had in the past. Amazing texture, flavor, juiciness. The collard greens were amazing. Again this review is from a non-vegan perspective, the Mac and cheese was good for not having dairy but not nearly as good as the real thing haha. Anyways, definitely worth a visit, delicious food and amazing service. With a great mission towards living wage and conservation. A great spot.
Katina P
Jul 25, 2024
5
My first and favorite vegan place! I tried others within weeks of going here and nothing compared. The outside seating (covered and uncovered,open) arrangement with all the plants was amazing! The staff were friendly and the customers were helpful with decisions on what to eat because it’s so delicious. I’ve tried drumsticks, fish, shrimp, rice, black eyed peas, collards, kale salad, and the rolls (like egg rolls) stuffed with Mac and cheese…just try this place if you love soul food and it doesn’t matter, meat eater or not..you’ll be shocked at the flavors and satisfaction you’ll have from the meal.
Stephanie Griffin
Jul 6, 2024
5
Everything was excellent!! We were traveling up 85N, and I decided to find something that was plant-based in the area for a bite to eat. My family and I were thoroughly pleased. It wasn't too far off the interstate and a breeze to get back on the road. The music was good. It had such a relaxed and inviting vibe. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. There are so many options to choose from without trying to adjust to make it vegan because everything is plant-based. This was great because they also have gluten-free and soy free options as well. Oh, and to top it off, they have desserts. I honestly wish I could have tried one of everything, lol. There's seating and beautiful plants everywhere. My hubby had f"sh and fries. I had NC BBQ platter. My daughter ordered the kids' meal. The blackberry lemonade was superb. I will definitely be back if I'm ever passing through again. I didn't know about this hidden gem, but it is highly rated, voted #1 by yelp last year.
Danielle Fuentes Johnson
May 9, 2024
5
Best vegan restaurant I've been to. The vast amounts of vegan and gluten-free options were impressive and exciting.
We ordered the Chicago burger, gf mac-and-cheese, kale Cesar salad, fries, and cornbread.
The mac-n-cheese was outstanding! The kale Cesar was across between a Cesar salad and coleslaw. Next time, I would order the dressing on the side.
For our tastes, everything needed a bit more salt, and table salt was not an option.
Staff was super friendly. Interior is quirky and welcoming.
If we are ever back in Durham, it will be a must stop!
