Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Durham

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Durham? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Local 22 Kitchen and Bar

4.8

4.8 (1034)

$30 and under

Regional American (Southern)

Durham

About the restaurant

A Southern-accented gastropub with a strong local focus.

Top review

christopherVIP

Dined 4 days ago

This is a fantastic place. The food is delicious and creative. The service is top notch and simply wonderful. We will return soon.

Little Bull

4.8

4.8 (531)

$50 and over

Fusion / Eclectic

Durham

About the restaurant

Little Bull is sincere, nostalgic comfort food, inspired by the palates of first-generation immigrant kids.

Pocho cuisine is not a gimmick. Like Oscar, it’s a little bull-headed, but with no bullshit. It means more than loaded terms like “New American” or “modern Mexican.” And it’s authentic to Chef’s personal experience.

“American food is undefined. But it’s been designated to certain ideas and people. It’s actually evolving, as much as our landscape is a melting pot. As much as my own identity as a first-generation American and chef.”

Pocho started as a term used by people in Mexico to poke fun at the “American” kids who speak Spanglish. At Little Bull, pocho cuisine showcases the evolution of being a chef in America, inspired by every immigrant and their growing influence on our food.

Top review

Carla

Dined 3 days ago

Celebrated our anniversary at Little Bull. The food was amazing, portions are not large for small plates, so I recommend 2 to 3 per person. Delicious options, the scallop crudo and tuna rolls were favorites. Save room for the donuts…..a perfect dessert. Cannot wait to visit again.

Seraphine

4.8

4.8 (538)

$30 and under

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Durham

About the restaurant

Seraphine is on OpenTable! We look forward to seeing you!

Top review

DeniseVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Always delicious- oysters so fresh, best steamed shrimp ever (and I’ve had a lot), homemade sausage a favorite.

M Pocha

4.7

4.7 (429)

$30 and under

Asian

Durham

About the restaurant

Pocha is short for Pojanmacha in Korea. The exact definition of Pojanmacha is "Tented Cart on Wheels" that serves street food with drinks. Over the years, pojanmacha has developed more into a brick and mortar style and has similar feel that of Japanese style Izakaya. It is an intimate but causal spot to share good food and drinks with friends. We focus on Asian fusion with a concentration on Korean food.

Top review

AmyVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Delicious unique food. Had a wonderful meal and walked to our DPAC show. Can’t wait to go back and try more dishes

It's a Southern Thing - Downtown Durham

4.6

4.6 (255)

$30 and under

Regional American (Southern)

Durham

About the restaurant

It's A Southern Thing is our owner's personal love letter to The South. Known for our unique take on traditional Southern fair, we welcome you with a laid back atmosphere, Southern hospitality, delicious craft cocktails and thoughtfully created, scratch made dishes. From our best-selling Shrimp and Grits to Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chops, Fried Green Tomatoes, Collard Greens, Chicken and Waffle Skewers and everything in between, you will find familiar flavors presented in an original way. Offering brunch seven days a week and dinner Monday through Saturday, we invite you to come in, stay a while and let us show you why so many customers love being part of our It's A Southern Thing family.

Top review

Lara

Dined 1 day ago

Atmosphere, food, lighting all made for a perfect evening.

The Sycamore at Chatham Mills

4.6

4.6 (70)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

Fine dining in a historic brick-and-wood setting with soaring ceilings and windows. Featuring hand-cut USDA prime and dry-aged steaks selected just for us. Poultry, fish, game and vegetarian dishes are offered alongside a full bar serving classic and contemporary cocktails. Enjoy the cozy ambiance of our lounge with fireplace and try out our lounge plates on Lounge Thursday, where most of our lounge offerings are $10! An a la carte menu is also offered. Live piano accompaniment Tuesday through Saturday evenings, with jazz bands performing on Wednesdays.

NOTE: For parties larger than 6 please call us at 919 704-8731. Email addresses may be used to receive occasional updates.

Top review

Mayra

Dined 1 day ago

Food and service were excellent. Only downfall was that the $35 extra wine pairing advertised was not true and the music started at 6:00 so we did not get to enjoy it since our reservations were for 5:00 pm.

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4.6

4.6 (24)

$30 and under

Latin American

Durham

About the restaurant

Our cozy cafe is a delightful haven where friends gather amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, savoring delectable pastries and engaging in warm, leisurely conversations. Take a step into our dining room and allow us to whisk you away to a tropical paradise where contemporary tiki cocktails blend seamlessly with vibrant Latin American and Caribbean Flavors. Our culinary journey is guided by the talented Oscar Diaz, a two-time James Beard semi-finalist and our esteemed chef-owner.

Top review

Christina

Dined 1 day ago

Please note reservations is important. Food was excellent. I ordered calamari, tropical shrimp, ceviche, burger and short ribs, service from Juan and other staff was outstanding. Also the decor is amazing. Music is loud but I enjoyed the energy it gives. I will be returning with friends!

Flying Bull Restaurant and Brewery

4.1

4.1 (40)

$30 and under

International

Durham

About the restaurant

Flying Bull Restaurant and Brewery is a veteran and woman owned business located in the heart of Durham’s Innovation District. Using only the best seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, Chef Daniel Arenas concocts your favorite American Classics as well as globally–inspired tapas and large plates. This is not your average pub menu! Specialty dishes include everything from bone marrow beef tartare to caviar service. The Flying Bull proves that craft beer and elevated cuisine are a perfect pairing. We also offer an extensive wine list and full service cocktail bar. Looking to host a special event for business or family occasion? Our large beer hall is the perfect solution. Prix fixe full menu or catered hors d’oeuvres available.

Whether you’re looking for a meal with family or friends, business or date nigh, or even a little Jazz with your beverage, our friendly and courteous staff will make sure your visit is a wonderful experience.

Top review

Drew

Dined 7 days ago

Very good overall experience. Highly recommended!!!!

Carolina Brewery - Chapel Hill

4.0

4 (213)

$30 and under

Regional American (Southern)

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

Since 1995, we have been proudly serving the locals, students and visitors to Chapel Hill. A lot has changed in both our town and the craft beer industry since we opened our doors as the culmination of a business school plan I wrote my senior year at UNC. Today, we celebrate our North Carolina roots with a made-from-scratch menu focused on Carolina foods in a newly renovated building. I hope you enjoy a true Carolina experience here at Carolina Brewery and will look for our award winning beers on your travels throughout the Carolinas.
Cheers,
Robert Poitras
Owner/Founder

Top review

robertVIP

Dined on Oct 18, 2024

Had reservation but ended up sitting in bar area high top where it was louder than normal due to some baseball fans really into the game. We liked the Octoberfest specials: good beer and the roasted apple kraut was outstanding. Overall was fine but would have preferred to have been seated at a regular table upstairs especially now that reservations are more or less required if you don't want to wait an hour on the weekend.

CO - Durham

3.8

3.8 (32)

$30 and under

Asian

Durham

About the restaurant

Top review

Miriam

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

Delicious, great variety in menu, friendly service.

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