As the countdown to Game Day continues, why not treat yourself to a high-class dining experience? Both Duke and UNC are fortunate enough to have a luxury hotel and restaurant on each campus: Fairview Dining Room at the Washington Duke Inn (yay food points!) and Carolina Crossroads at the Carolina Inn. Each restaurant gives a shockingly accurate representation of the culture of each university—think of them almost as a stereotype of how outsiders view each school.
On the east side there’s Duke, posh and sophisticated with a doorman waiting to take your jacket.
Photo courtesy of The Washington Duke Inn
Then eight miles away, there’s Carolina, where “yes, ma’am” and “no, sir” are sounds sweeter than the tea you’re sipping on.
Photo courtesy of The Carolina Inn
Both restaurants offer everything from brunch to afternoon tea to a three course dinner, so put on your Sunday best and have a classy time.
Round 2: The Classiest Meal
Fairview Dining Room at The Washington Duke Inn
Photo courtesy of The Washington Duke Inn
All Duke students love and know the WaDuke as the place to splurge (bless you, food points). Bad midterm grade? A three-course brunch can solve that. Complete a group project? Let’s have tea. Roommate’s birthday? A chocolate molten cake would be divine. Situated on Duke’s golf course, the view is to die for, and the waitstaff is topnotch. Enjoy coffee by the fireplace during the winter months or the oh-so-lovely back terrace in the springtime. Being only a short walk from West Campus, you should take advantage of this gem all semester long. Did I mention they accept food points? IT’S FO FREE. #blessed
Photo courtesy of The Washington Duke Inn
The Classy Order:
Begin with the famous WaDuke shrimp, corn and bacon chowder, continue with the herb seared Loch Duarte salmon that’s so fresh you’ll swear it was swimming that morning, then top off your meal with a delectable vanilla bean crème brûlée
Address: 3001 Cameron Boulevard, Durham, NC
Hours: Monday-Sunday 6:30am-10pm
Carolina Crossroads at The Carolina Inn
Photo courtesy of The Carolina Inn
Someone pinch me, I must have died and gone to Southern heaven. Everything about this place will make you want to put on your sundress and pastels to go swing dancing on the front porch. The interior looks like it was hit by a hurricane of Lilly Pulitzer mixed with Gone with the Wind. The shrimp and grits will make a Southern gentleman out of you no matter where you’re from. Your Southern drawl that’s been hiding under that Chicago accent will surface after one sip of their chilled sweet tea. Celebrating their 90th anniversary this season, the historic Carolina Crossroads has been ranked a AAA four-diamond restaurant by Forbes and is a hotspot for alumni visiting their alma mater.
Photo courtesy of The Carolina Inn
The Classy Order:
Start out with fried oysters that will knock your socks off, transition on to the Cheerwine braised short rib or local buckwheat kasha, then finish up your Southern experience with a warm sweet potato bread pudding
Address: 211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 6:30am-10pm
Check out these other hot spots around Chapel Hill and Durham: