A uniquely Durham gathering place with casual vibes, serving good food and drinks until late – one of the few Durham restaurants with a kitchen open until 2 a.m. – Queeny's hosts many community-based and supported events, like Great British Bake-Off competitions. Inspired by the communal spirit of potlucks and the lively neighborhood bar and grills of our adolescence, Queeny’s is a nostalgic reimagining of the casual, sit-down establishments that feel right on any occasion. There's an on-site podcast studio available for public use (with scheduling). The small bookshop in the back of the bar named “Rubyfruit” after the 1973 lesbian coming-of-age novel Rubyfruit Jungle and stocked the shelves with inclusive literature. All the while, the chicken 'crispers' are arguably the best chicken tenders in town.
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Hours:
Monday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:45 AM – 2:00 AM
We come here all the time for many different reasons. Quick lunch on a Saturday stroll. Drinks and late night food. Read and catch up on work. Very versatile space in downtown. Always an amazing vibe. The nachos are the best in town.
Courtney
Apr 8, 2025
5
It's a completely chill and laid back atmosphere! Paired with drinks and amazing service, it's a great place to start the night out with friends. A big plus is that there are gluten free options if you are gluten sensitive, they can be altered to accommodate ✨
Joe Yoo
Apr 1, 2025
4
Generous servings of pretty good food. Ordered kale salad and burger with fries.
The burger - with the 1/2lb patty, cheese, mayo/aioli - felt a little too unctuous, and I would’ve personally enjoyed something acidic to help cut through the overly rich taste.
One of the best fries I’ve had though.
Salad portion was also good, plenty of fresh veg. Mint in salad is always gas.
Robin Gibbs
Mar 28, 2025
5
First time at this restaurant, it was quite cute, they offer both inside and outside seating. You actually place your order at the bar, and they bring the food out. We ordered the nachos and a side of fries. Every thing was hot when we received the order. The 1 thing that I suggest is a better way other than the numbers they give you once your order is placed because servers were walking around looking to see the signs, 1 server literally walked inside, and outside looking for the correct table. Nice atmosphere. We will be back
Kay
Mar 14, 2025
4
Love the vibe here and the great bartenders! The food menu is very limited, but the fries I had were absolutely delicious. I wouldn't come here for dinner, but definitely for some drinks before or after a night out!
Gender neutral bathrooms. Always a plus in my book!
Scott Jablonski
Mar 2, 2025
3
There’s several things I like about Queeny’s. I’ve been here multiple times. Here is my list of pros:
1. Food is delicious. I’ve tried several things on the menu. It’s probably one of the best burgers I’ve had in Durham.
2. Cool ambiance
3. Kind and quick service
Here are my cons:
1. It’s usually pretty loud inside. So that makes it difficult to talk.
2. When you order a beer, you don’t get a regular sized beer like everywhere else in Durham. But they charge the same price as everyone else who gives a regular sized beer.
3. It’s pretty expensive. We didn’t grab much for dinner and spent $55.
Carolina Conde
Feb 22, 2025
5
Vegeterian, vegan, gluten-free, and carnivorous options. Alcohol and alcohol-free drinks, with wines, cocktails, and beers to choose from.
Kid's menu AND, ice-cream cake.
Cozy area with books to read or buy, or both; a free podcast studio - how cool is that? 😎
Oh, and with a $2 donation, you can get yourself polaroided and immortalize yourself in the wall above the bar.
Courtney
Feb 5, 2025
5
It's a completely chill and laid back atmosphere! Paired with drinks and amazing service, it's a great place to start the night out with friends. Also if you are gluten sensitive, they have food options that can be altered to accommodate ✨
D Nickelson
Jan 23, 2025
5
Such a cool spot for late nights. This is a fun dive bar with a chill vibe in downtown Durham. They are open late and have a full menu. The chicken crispers are great. Food comes out hot and service was fairly quick for the place to have been packed. Will definitely be going back.
Barbara Ilie
Dec 14, 2024
5
Met up with colleagues after work. Great customer service (order at bar) and delicious food. I had the winter squash, tuna dip, and an apple cider. Tasted others' chicken tenders and fried pickles, all very tasty.
Alaina Barnes
Sep 4, 2024
5
I came with my boyfriend and we both loved our food. He got the frozen Irish coffee to drink and it was very strong. The crispers were the best tenders I've ever had and loved the honey dill sauce. The vibe is really fun.
NSA
Aug 12, 2024
5
everyone told me to go to queenies for burgers and I'm glad I did !
got the classic with bacon medium and was so happy. the fries are extra but fantastic.
got also the Vietnamese pork sandwich ( burger bun ) was fiery and good !
came for lunch, sat down and ordered at the bar.
they have a bookstore too / library for reading there or buying and a pod cast recording studio
William Moberg
Aug 12, 2024
5
Decorations are realistic and not overdone. Staff is humble and friendly. I waited as long as I would expect to wait at a bar for food, so not too long. Chicken on my salad was cooked perfectly (Not too dry and lots of flavor!). If I wasn't working I might have even stayed for a drink. Cheers🍻
Butch B
Aug 10, 2024
5
I have to echo other diners compliments on the chicken salad sandwich! Excellent cocktail selection and cold drafts. Conveniently located downtown with a comfortable local vibe inside.
Astrid Garrison
Jul 14, 2024
5
We wanted a bite to eat later in the evening, and this place fit the bill. Burger and fries were good. Drinks were fun. The atmosphere was definitely a vibe.
Worth checking out.
J. Manes
May 30, 2024
3
Nice people, different set up for ordering and picking up drinks and food. My mother said it was the best chicken salad sandwich ever. The Birria baguette was okay. There are two unique rooms inside. One being a library and the other for podcasts.
