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d
dimsumfan Dec 9, 2010 09:20 AM

Seeking one lunch in Durham, NC

Yep, looking for one lunch recommendation. Wish I would be around for dinner, as I see good options, but most of those places are closed for lunch--or only offer sandwiches. I'm looking for a place that shows its farm-to-table goodness at lunch as well as dinner. Or, just a unique, not-to-be-missed place unlike anything I can find anywhere else. Willing to drive to Chapel Hill, but not much further.

Thanks!

  1. m
    MargaretsFoodisms Dec 15, 2010 06:16 AM

    Watt's Grocery is a definite. They have a great menu and cool atmosphere.

    myrestaurantguru.com

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    Watt's Grocery
    1116 Broad St Ste 100, Durham, NC 27705

    1. r
      Remsleep Dec 14, 2010 04:27 AM

      I would try The Pig. I'm not a 'que eater, but their short rib patty melt is killer (metaphorically and probably literally). The other lunch items looked equally yummy. There is a whole 'nother thread on The Pig on the board.

      1. f
        fussycouple Dec 14, 2010 03:32 AM

        If I could only have one lunch in the area, right now I'd pick Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe in Chapel Hill, in the old Sandwhich location.

        A lot of local ingredients, great food, amazing pickled chutneys, a local girl "who dun good". Certainly not something you can find just anywhere.

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        Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe
        431 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

        1. LulusMom Dec 13, 2010 02:58 AM

          Both the Federal and Kitchen are great suggestions.

          1. y
            yahooer Dec 12, 2010 07:19 PM

            We had wonderful lunch Friday at Kitchen in Chapel Hill. It was our first time there and we were quite impressed. I had frissee salad with duck comfit and caramelized onions that was outstanding. Husband had burger that he said was among the best ever. I think it was served on brioche roll but he didn't offer me a bite. Since you said you'd travel to CH, I thought you'd be interested. I noticed some interesting dishes written on the mirror next to the bar that would be worth the trip back. Glad to find a solid new choice for lunch or dinner in Chapel Hill.

            1 Reply
            1. re: yahooer
              romansperson Dec 13, 2010 04:29 AM

              I've had lunch at Kitchen several times and have been very pleased.

            2. b
              bbqme Dec 12, 2010 06:18 PM

              My three lunches At Watts have only been so-so. I'd venture a guess that the head chef is not there to prepare lunch. My rec is The Federal. There specials of the day are usually top notch. Keep in ming it's a bar that serves food.

              1 Reply
              1. re: bbqme
                k
                kirol7777 May 10, 2011 06:42 PM

                Agreed. I've tried lunch at Watts a few times and have always been disappointed. Dinner can be great (though it's uneven). The Federal, Toast, and Chubby's Tacos are all pretty good.

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                Chubby's Tacos
                748 9th St, Durham, NC 27705

              2. LulusMom Dec 11, 2010 07:17 AM

                I can't believe I didn't think of Toast. Although it is mostly sandwiches, they are really well done.

                1. RonboNC Dec 11, 2010 05:38 AM

                  I've been dying to try Dame's Chicken and Waffles even if it's not farm to table! Let us know where you end up...

                  1. LulusMom Dec 10, 2010 07:49 AM

                    Sandwhich in Chapel Hill is much better than the name (or spelling) would suggest.

                    1. d
                      dimsumfan Dec 9, 2010 06:08 PM

                      Great suggestions, all. Thanks! Leaning toward Watt's for now. The Mexican places intrigue me, making me wish one was open early enough for breakfast.

                      1 Reply
                      1. re: dimsumfan
                        c
                        castaway Dec 10, 2010 06:57 AM

                        Los Comales on Roxboro is open for breakfast.

                        2103 N Roxboro St

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                        Los Comales
                        2103 N Roxboro St, Durham, NC 27704

                      2. j
                        jla1960 Dec 9, 2010 01:41 PM

                        If you're interested in bbq, Allen and Son is one of the best in NC and is located just off I-40, 20 minutes or less from Durham. Another option would be one of Durham's excellent mexican restaurants such as Los Comales or Taqueria La Vaquita.

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                        Taqueria La Vaquita
                        2700 Chapel Hill Rd, Durham, NC 27707

                        Los Comales
                        2103 N Roxboro St, Durham, NC 27704

                        1. l
                          Littleman Dec 9, 2010 10:05 AM

                          Go to Watt's for outstanding food using local ingredients.

                          Watt's Grocery @ 1116 Broad Street, Durham, NC 919 - 416 - 5040.
                          http://www.wattsgrocery.com/

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                          Watt's Grocery
                          1116 Broad St Ste 100, Durham, NC 27705

                          1 Reply
                          1. re: Littleman
                            b
                            brokegradstudent Dec 9, 2010 01:25 PM

                            Watt's is very good. Rue Cler does a nice lunch. Piedmont did (and may still, I haven't had lunch there since the ownership change).

                            Crook's Corner's new Atrium cafe in Chapel Hill has a nice lunch but may be a bit sandwich heavy for what you're looking for.

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                            Rue Cler Restaurant
                            401 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701

                            Crook's Corner
                            610 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

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