I need some 15-501 Help!

[WRAMC]

New to Chapel Hill-Durham area and commuting between the two. Are there any good ethnic eats (or local fare) along the way to pick up some take out for dinner or informal dining? We are not picky - just can't handle the chain stuff. Thanks for the help!

[deliciousgoodstuff]

Tonali on Shannon Road in Durham has great upscale Mexican with occasional fusion touches. Owner/chef was chef at University Club in Durham and executive sous chef at Four Square in Durham, but has returned to his Mexican roots for his own place. It is really quite nice!

[burgeoningfoodie]

I can't tell you if the following places are up to snuff or not but you have the following

Merlion is in Southern Village
Weaver Street Market (I wouldn't say it is ethnic but it is good for some grab and go items)
Pazzo (though I've heard lots of bad stuff about it)

Spartacus is by Target as is Shaba Shabu (which also has gotten meh reviews)
Saladelia is near Twisted Noodle and Green Leaf

Further down University you've got Thai Cafe

Some people may still suggest Sitar, but I think from what I've read lots of people have stated that it has declined..

[LulusMom]

I'm a big fan of Merlion. Was just there last night, and both my husband and I ordered things we'd never gotten before, and we were both thrilled with them. Wish I had the menu in front of me so I could tell you what they were, but both spicy and delicious. Not great atmosphere, but friendly, and good food/prices.

[deliciousgoodstuff]

It is sad to hear that about Sitar, I loved them in the old spot across the street, but haven't visited them in their new location. I'll hope that it was just growing pains of making the move and try them again.

[burgeoningfoodie]

Don't get me wrong about Sitar.. I enjoyed what I had when I ate there with a friend a while back.

[Jeanne]

I've been to Sitar a couple of times since they've opened the new location and found it quite good - I'll definitely be back.

[BullCityChow]

Try China Palace (at the intersection of Garrett Rd. and Old Durham-Chapel Hill Rd.) - make sure you take a look at their "Chinese Menu" - they do have separate ones. Green Leaf (behind Target - one shopping center down from Twisted Noodles) is good too - one of the few buffet type places I like (but you can always order off the menu). Dosas are very good, and tend to be brought around fresh if you order the buffet.

I have the 2nd the La Vaquita recommendation (though I prefer the Hillsborough Rd. location - larger menu and the option to eat in). There are also always the taco trucks:)

[durhamois]

Twisted Noodles is just off 15-501, on University Drive, just behind Target. Very good Thai food to-go, but I suggest checking your order before you leave the place to make sure they got the order right. Sitar gets mixed reviews for Indian, but I rather like it, especially their dosas (crisp them in a dry frying pan when you get home to heat them, otherwise they'll be soggy) and their bindi masala (okra).

[walras]

El Custaleco, just off 15-501 at Garrett Road, is a fine "go to" place for take out. Some days they even have their roast chicken, halves or whole ones, to go. They're nice folks, too.

[brokegradstudent]

Guglehupf and Fosters are both on 15-501 business and not a huge detour. I'm not sure about Guglehupf's evening hours.

La Vaquita isn't very far off of 15-501. Great tacos and tortas

Southern Season's prepared foods/salad bar/hot bar can provide more than a few meals. Or you could just get cheese, bread, pate, and wine. We call that dinner more than is probably advisable.

There is also a question of where you're starting and finishing. You may do better in CH or durham than between.

[WRAMC]

Brokegradstudent.
Thx!. Starting in CH (Southern Village area) and going to Duke. I appreciate the recommendations. The red wine and cheese/pate counter-balance each other - so you should be fine.

[boaviagem]

Move to Durham and save 1+ hours of aggravating commute every day.