Queeny's
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.
Cuisines
- American
Hours
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
Map
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I went to Queeny's with my daughter and mother and loved the vibe of the restaurant. I ordered the tofu reuban and it was delicious. The fried pickles were amazing and I love that they were pickles sticks instead of chips. My mother had the cheese burger and it was perfectly cooked. My daughter loves their nachos. The only thing that would have made the tofu reuban better is if the tofu was sliced a little thinner and had a sear on it. The sauce for the pickles was amazing. The staff were so nice and helpful. -
Queeny's is a masterclass in community-centric hospitality, effortlessly blending the cozy charm of a neighborhood gathering spot with a highly distinct, deeply intentional personality. Operating at a remarkably accessible price point in the heart of downtown Durham, this venue does half the work of winning you over before you even glance at the menu—brilliantly balancing a spacious, vibrant outdoor garden setting with intimate indoor reading nooks and legendary, retro-inspired interiors.
The culinary and beverage execution is outstandingly creative. The kitchen reimagines comfort classics with flawless technical precision, delivering a deeply savory *Birria French Dip* and exceptionally executed *Fried Pickles* cut thoughtfully into spears rather than standard chips to maximize texture. For plant-based diners, the *Tofu Reuben* provides a masterful layering of complex, smoky flavors. The beverage program is equally polished; the bar staff exhibits a rare level of hospitality, shifting seamlessly between high-end cocktails and custom, artisanal mocktails that completely satisfy without a drop of alcohol. Even the facility's design showcases immense character—from hosting eclectic community performances to maintaining a beautifully designed, eco-conscious restroom with warm wood floors and earth tones. Queeny’s is a vital, inclusive cultural anchor that captures the diverse, creative heartbeat of Durham. -
Queenies is a spectacular restaurant. I went there every Friday for a few months, ate most of the entrees on the menu, and I cannot remember a single time I wasn't very happy with my visit. Every item on the menu is delicious, though the chicken salad sandwich with bacon (Thanks Lizzie) and a side salad was my favorite. Service varies depending on when you come. If you're there in the 6-7 range, it's very busy and they're just trying to get people's orders as quickly a possible. I preferred going in the 5-6 range for dinner. I have always been able to find somewhere to sit, even when it's PACKED, but I'm also just one lady, so that might not be true if you're bringing a group. There's parking across the street, but I recommend parking in Corcoran just because I've never not been able to find parking. If you care, they have two all gender bathrooms and both are very nice. They have free water which is also very nice. -
Cute ambiance with mini wall murals. But don't eat here. We were recommended this place as a dinner option. We ordered a Cubano, chicken tenders, fries with queso, a cheeseburger, and 3 sodas which totaled almost $70. The breading on the chicken was tasty at least. I couldn't really eat the Cuban. The bread was toasted great but that's about the best I can say. I couldn't taste anything other than it was a ton of meat. I could see pickles, but couldn't taste them or the Dijon that was supposed to be on there. Needless to say, it didn't taste good. The only option on the cook of the burger is pink or no pink. It was good and seasoned nicely. The fries were ok but the queso was grainy.
They did a good job on trying to keep the tables clean. However they really need to clean the lights above the table. The amount of dust on the wicker actually discolored it and was very visible. Sorry for the lighting of the sandwich, that's how dark it is in there. -
Nice atmosphere and staff, eclectic international funky music, easy to chat, burger $16 and the viet thai pork sandwich $13 were good, fries and all are extra $. Quite expensive for what you get. Quiet on a mid Sunday.



























