Old Five Points
An up-and-coming, downtown-adjacent neighborhood where bold flavors meet creative community spaces.
Bordering the eastern edge of the Central Park district, just outside of downtown limits, you will find the Old Five Points neighborhood. A new generation of small businesses is energizing a once sleepy stretch of commercial buildings around North Roxboro Street.
Start your day by enjoying a breakfast burrito with a cult following at Hatch Burritos, where you can experience the authentic taste of New Mexico with handcrafted burritos, enchiladas, green chile stew, blue corn pancakes and more – all featuring fresh ingredients and signature hatch green chiles. Pro tip: Come back for lunch to try daily specials that showcase the versatility of those famous green chiles.
When it's time for a beer, head to Durham Beer Garden, a kid-friendly spot with games for the whole family and local live music acts in the courtyard. The expansive back patio makes it one of the few places that welcome dogs inside and offer food. Just order at the food truck permanently parked outside. The biggest game of the day is always on the big screen, but fans of lesser-known sports are welcome to settle into a spot and watch their team. Don't miss the photo opp with the iconic Old Bull neon sign.
Settle in for an imaginative meal of Chef Oscar Diaz’s pocho cuisine at MICHELIN Guide-recommended Little Bull where the menu features inventive dishes like birria ramen, smoked brisket tacos, chicharrón de queso and their celebrated eloté. The bold flavors and creative approach to Mexican-American fusion have made this one of Durham's most exciting dining destinations. Hear from Diaz about his playful approach to his menu and his take on authenticity.
Flex your academic muscles at Night School Bar, where lifelong learners unite for courses in the humanities. Think philosophy discussions over cocktails, reading groups and film school in a relaxed bar setting. It's the perfect spot for curious minds who believe the best conversations happen with a drink in hand.
Enjoy local art and community events at Zeitgeist Bar & Gallery, where local artists’ works adorn the walls (and are available for sale) and the progressive programming includes appearances by local drag celebrities, sapphic socials and even shibari knot tying workshops. Fun fact: Kyle, the co-owner, is the sibling of Talitha, owner of Hatch.
Getting There: Street parking is available on the one-way Mangum Street. Our advice is to head south from Geer Street to look for a spot. There's also a small lot at the old Five Points intersection. Old Five Points is just a 10-minute walk from City Center and a half-mile, 11-minute walk from Durham Central Park, making it an easy addition to any downtown exploration.
