Durham has a bunch of awesome food, but we know there are a few things that you crave and just can’t find here in Bull City. Here is a list of the restaurants Durham should add ASAP:
1. Juice Bar
Photo by Gabrielle Levitt
Anyone who has been part of the acai bowl craze knows that this is a necessity. We all know how much Dukies love smoothies and we have some amazing places to go to get them (Red Mango, Quenchers, Whole Foods). So who wouldn’t want to eat those smoothies with a spoon out of a bowl topped with some granola and fruit? I guess we can just work on our pronunciation of ah-sigh-ee in the meantime.
2. 24/7 American Diner
Photo by Kristen Yang
Not just a place where you can shove your face with endless cheesy fries and chocolate chip pancakes, but a hot-spot, coming to life at the first mention of “last call for alcohol.” Who doesn’t want to have their last meal of one day at the same spot as their first meal of the next?
3. Make-Your-Own Salads—with good chicken
Photo courtesy of nu.spoonuniversity.com
Okay, Durham might have some make-your-own salad places (ABP and Hungry Leaf), but let’s be honest: the chicken just doesn’t cut it. What we need is quality, warm, flavorful grilled chicken to spice up our salads.
4. Insomnia Cookies
Photo by Jessica Kelly
Chapel Hill has it… why shouldn’t we? Insomnia might just give Cosmic a run for its money. Who doesn’t want a warm cookie delivered straight to their door at all hours of the night?
5. Dessert Place
Photo courtesy of nu.spoonuniversity.com
Durham has some ice cream shops (The Parlour, Ben and Jerry’s), but anyone who has ever been to NYC knows: we need our very own Max Brenner or Serendipity to satisfy that sweet tooth with a chocolate syringe or frozen hot chocolate. Trust us, we see you getting that chocolate cake in Vondy and we can guarantee there is so much more to life.
6. Candy Shop
Photo courtesy of washu.spoonuniversity.com
Speaking of sugar, we might as well talk about the need for a candy store, where you can satisfy all of your gummy and chocolate cravings. We need a Dylan’s Candy Bar-style sweet shoppe where you can fill your bags to the brim with all of your favorite treats (chocolate covered cookie dough, sour strips, chocolate covered oreos…mmm).
7. Old School Deli
Photo by Amanda Shulman
Jimmy Johns is there for you at 3 AM and ABP can serve up some interesting combos, but we need a Deli where the sandwich gods behind the counter pile on the good stuff – so much so that it’s a challenge to fit in your mouth.