35 Best American Restaurants in Durham

“This place is a true GEM to Durham! I celebrated my birthday here with a group of 17 people and from the initial conversation with the staff they were extremely efficient, professional and accommodating! And the food…the food was incredible! The drinks were made perfectly, the service was top notch and the atmosphere was very accommodating. I 100% recommend this place, no matter the occasion! Thank you all for accommodating my large group and making sure we had an unforgettable evening.“

“I love Ally 26, the atmosphere is wonderful. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable. The drink selection creative with many great options to choose from.“

“It sits nestled at a busy locale off the main strip. It can be easier or more difficult to get in/out depending on what direction you're coming from. The spot was definitely busy with customers around the lunch hour. The menu has good selections but not too overwhelming with choices. I decided to try the dogs and made it a combo. Order taking and check out was quick. This is not a sit in place. Instead you walk up to the order window and go for it. The server lady was professional when taking my order. To get my food took about 15 minutes. Everything was good overall. My only quirk was that it didn't seem like a lot of food. I definitely recommend you stop by and check it out when in the area.“

“Food was good and served quick. Service was outstanding. We sat in the bar area and our server was quick“

“The food is great. Very well managed. I’ll definitely go back!“

“Had very relaxing time with family. The food was enjoyable.“

“Everything! Such a lovely atmosphere and amazing food!“

“Absolutely delicious food and amazing service!!! 10 out of 10 !!!“

“Always friendly service and delicious food at the Amelia Island location!“

“I love a good ribeye, Tony Roma's served me the best, most perfectly cooked, tender ribeye I have EVER eaten in my life! The mashed potatoes and green beans were perfect as well! This was a fantastic meal and our server Vee was fantastic as well. we left miserably full and we will be going back!“

“We had a lovely meal in this restaurant. Beet salad and a delicious prawn cocktail with huge prawns to start. The pork with mushroom vol au vent was excellent as was the lamb loin with squash dauphinoise. The extensive wine list is excellent.“

“Stopped by for a quick bite and the boneless wings did not disappoint. Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and tossed in just the right amount of sauce. The fries were golden, seasoned just right, and seriously addictive. Great portions for the price and fast, friendly service. Definitely a go-to spot when you’re craving comfort food done right!“

“OUTSTANDING!!! my family and I were there for the art exhibit and we had dinner there. the food was amazing and the staff was kind and accommodating. Do yourself a favor and spend a little time in this wonderful Cafe you will not be disappointed !!“

“Thanksgiving Day feast was wonderful. Food well prepared and tasty. Service was impeccable. Price reasonable. Owner was gracious and has doneca great job with food and staff. Highly recommend.“

“They have fire live music! R & B night every Tuesday night, and live jazz every Wednesday. And it’s worth mentioning it that their breakfast selection is top notch as well.“

“First time eating there this morning.I ordered the Grilled Chicken. Sandwich and Onion Rings! ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!! THE STAFF WAS AMAZING! NOW I NEED TO TRY THE BREAKFAST“

“Good food, great staff, and good comedy on Monday nights.“

“It’s my first time eating here and I loved the food. I had egg and cheese omelets, home fries, bacon, and a fish patty. It was all very good. The staff were friendly and the I liked the atmosphere of the cafeteria. The only con I can think of is that I live so far away. I stopped by here on the way to a doctor’s appointment and I’m glad I did. I apologize for posting a photo of a partially eaten breakfast but I was enjoying this meal before I thought to take a picture.“

“Lizi was absolutely amazing! Made the experience so much better!“

“I am a picky burger snob. That being said, I was glad I tried their burger. It's becoming harder and harder to find a good burger. These burgers are good, they are real and they are a good price. I had a double burger all the way and the price was about $7. Cheaper and wayyy better than fast food processed and questionable beef. I will be stopping when I pass through again! I will add a little salt next time also.“

“Okay so I never really do reviews.
But this one deserves a review.
The Basil Pizza that I got was so wonderful exceptional heavenly delicious.
Absolutely perfection.
And they have really excellent cake.
The price of sky high though.
However you have to pay for quality right....
And every penny is worth it.
They do not mess around on their pizza and the quality of their ingredients and the quality of their bread.
Heavenly perfection I will continue to eat there.
😋 🍕 Delicious 🤤 💕“

“great food and customer service“

“Had a great experience here ! Taylor was a great server , will definitely be back and will be asking for her !!“

“I want to express praise and gratitude to Desmond at the Durham Hotel. I had been calling the rooftop restaurant for a couple of weeks to try and modify a reservation for a birthday party and after five or six attempts, they had not called me back. I eventually called the hotel and Desmond answered and even though it is completely separate and outside of his job responsibilities, he took down all my information and reached out to them on my behalf . Desmond was able to modify my reservation so that I did not have to drive down there an hour each way. He was very professional and I enjoyed talking with him. He is definitely in the right line of work because I felt like I was talking to a friend. Details matter, and Customer Service should still matter. Thank you, Desmond!! Sincerely, William / reservation 9546“

“I had one of those Hawkdogs this past Saturday at our Neighborhood’s Block Party. The hot dog tasted incredible and that chili was out-of-sight. I can’t wait to see what the hamburgers taste like. I will definitely be buying from them again!“

“Excellent food and service. Always a pleasure.“

“Stayed at the hotel for the weekend. They warned us at checkin that the dining hadorw limited hours.

The bar was set from 4pm-11pm and the kitchen from 5pm-10pm.

We had gotten in around 9pm and a lot of people were just lounging on the area without food, so we approached the bar to ask for a table to eat, they told us we could sit anywhere, then came right over with a menu and took our drink order.

We ordered the Stuffed Avocado and Cheesecake.

I didn't love the stuffed avocado. It was more like salsa with avocado and sweet potatoes and onions.

Obviously that did not pair well with the cheesecake!

So we ate out veggies, cleared our pallettes with our drinks, and then chowed down on the cheesecake served with ice cream. That was delicious. Nothing out of the ordinary, but fresh and served with two spoons to share.

They were very attentive, keeping the water glasses full and asking if we would like more drinks as we would finish.

Overall, recommended!

Distinguish yourself as a person interested in food or drinks, else you will be assumed to be part of the lounging crowd.“

“A whole vibe for sure . Loved JJ. Will be back“

“It was our 40th wedding anniversary and we had an amazing experience at Newtons. Our server Dee was very nice and made sure we had everything. Our favorite was Brie. She made sure everyone was happy and even made us this beautiful dessert plate big enough for our entire family. We will def come back.“

“Absolutely delicious! Wish you had a location in Greensboro,NC !!“

“Atmosphere is awesome and food was good“

“Loved the friendly atmosphere and dog friendly“

“Our family enjoys the burgers here and the staff are very friendly. Great service and great food. 👍“

“Looking for lunch one day and thought I would try Cafe Meridian. One time is all it took. My new favorite lunch spot. Everything I have tried is tasty. Tried the Fiesta chicken. Would eat that daily! Yum.“