The Federal
Phone: (919) 680-8611
This Main Street mainstay just celebrated is 15th anniversary. As the story goes, "in March of 2004, after three guys got together and saw a need for a solid neighborhood bar that celebrated Durham." Over a decade and a half later, they're still going strong. Open seven days a week, The Federal offers drool-worthy nachos, Buffalo chicken sandwiches and burgers – plus a late-night menu.
Cuisines
- American
- Casual Dining
Details
- Meeting Rooms 1
Hours
Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Map
Google Rating
-
I usually really like this place actually, a lot. But today I got the prime rib sandwich and my god… it was an abomination. They somehow managed to sneak an entire block of foul-smelling cheese into it, complete with parchment paper melted right on top like some kind of culinary arts-and-crafts project.
After peeling off the paper and amputating the mystery cheese block from my “sandwich”, I thought, alright, let’s power through this. Big mistake. It tasted exactly as horrifying as it looked. The bread was stale and untoasted, the so-called “prime rib” might as well have been freezer-burned mystery meat, and the onion rings? Let’s just say they were the neglected children of the deep fryer shamefully cooked in an oily hell for the entire day and used for my order I guess, barely together completely burnt chunks….disgusting
By the third bite, not only was I no longer hungry, I was actively concerned I might crap myself. The place is called The Federal, which makes sense now clearly named after the prison where this food is being cooked.
So thanks, guys. You’ve officially lost a customer. And probably given me a new phobia. For anyone thinking of going enjoy the photos I got of my dinner tonight. -
Nice bar/restaurant! I got a burger with onion rings. It was tasty and not too pricy for what you get. Their alcoholic drink/cocktail menu looks affordable too. I'll be back!
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We visited Federal in downtown Durham during Oktoberfest, and it was an amazing experience! They had a special Oktoberfest menu that really set the mood with German-inspired dishes and festive brews. We loved the bratwurst plate, which was perfectly seasoned and served with sauerkraut and a pretzel. The atmosphere was cozy and lively, and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable about both the regular and special menus. Whether you’re looking for a great spot to celebrate an event like Oktoberfest or just want a casual yet delicious meal, Federal is a fantastic choice. We’ll definitely be back!
-
Ordered two prime rib sandwhiches this afternoon and one was not a complete sandwhich. It’s literally one piece of bread topped with the prime rib. One was correct however. Can’t even dip it. What a disappointment and waste for the cost of what typically is a great sandwhich.
-
I had 6 fillings done in the morning, a concert in 30 minutes, and a mission to eat dinner somehow. It was pretty quiet but definitely too early for any normal bar crowd to be around. The bartender was super helpful and I got my food basically minutes after I ordered it. I ordered the soup of the day (chicken tortilla) and the fries (a small order which was still pretty large). They were both so good. I wish I'd had savoring time and an extra hour to enjoy every bite...
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