Seeking one lunch in Durham, NC

[dimsumfan]

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!

[MargaretsFoodisms]

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

[Remsleep]

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.

[fussycouple]

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

[LulusMom]

Both the Federal and Kitchen are great suggestions.

[yahooer]

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.

[romansperson]

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

[bbqme]

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.

[kirol7777]

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

[LulusMom]

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

[RonboNC]

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...

[LulusMom]

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

[dimsumfan]

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.

[castaway]

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

[jla1960]

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

[Littleman]

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

[brokegradstudent]

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