Pure Soul

Food is always exceptional with great people

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The NC BBQ Plate, Kale Salad, Fish

Unfortunately this business had a break in the night before we stopped by, but the folks working were so kind and accommodating they barely let it affect them. The absolute best vegan food in the triangle and some of the very best sandwiches- vegan or not.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

UPDATE: after 2 years from my initial review, I can say that the food is still just as good!!! My fiancé who is very opinionated about food even loves it. He says that if we lived closer that he would be here weekly. Congrats to the owners, they have created something special.

Ive been eating at vegan restaurants for 5 years and this is one I would proudly recommended. I ordered delivery and the care and attention to detail was incredible. Super tasty sandwiches and sides, I cant wait to order again!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food and customers service is AWESOME!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Truly the best southern food I've had since going vegan 16yrs ago. Everything was rich and delicious but the yams and cornbread really stood out and I'm not local but already talking about taking a trip down here just to get them again. Atmosphere and service was great. I will say I ordered online and it said the pickup would be 30 minutes but it was ready within less than 10 minutes so plan accordingly. Everything was very clearly labeled for dietary needs which was super helpful but one thing I would like to see is at least one dressing, like Caesar, that could be offered soyfree because I would have loved a salad of sorts to go with the meal.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The extensive menu provided our group (me being the sole vegan) with an opportunity to try out a lot of the vegan takes on traditional southern/NC cuisine. Our favorites were: - Chicken strips (not fried) - Kale salad - Collard Greens - Black-eyed peas and veggies - NY style cheesecake (not Southern) The fries and coleslaw were pretty good too. I don’t know if they use commercial composting but everything was served in compostable disposable packaging (regardless if it was for in dining in or to go) so a lot of waste (but at least compostable not plastic nor styrofoam, which so many places use) Updated from previous review on 2025-10-27

So, let me start out by saying that I am not a vegan. Not in the least. But, trying to find healthier options to eat when I can. I have a friend who is plant based and preaches of its benefits, so I give it a go sometimes. Okay, enough about me. Looked up Pure Soul prior to visiting the area. Decided to give it a try. SO glad I did. I had the fish plate (yes, fish at a vegan spot), and it was delicious. I was the slightest bit skeptical due to the appearance, but the flavor was top tier. The Mac and Cheese was delicious as well. The greens were delicious. See a pattern here? Also had hush puppies, which didn't survive the ride back to the hotel. The Arnold Palmer was outstanding. It was so good, came back the next day. Ordered the drumsticks. Southern fried. While you have to watch for the stick inside, the drumsticks were also, you guessed it, delicious. In less than 16 hours, I probably ordered half the menu to try some of everything I could. All the flavor, but none of the guilt. The staff was friendly and I even got to meet the owner. Class act guy. My issue with plant based food at times is flavor or someone saying that they have a plant based version of a meat dish and it's nothing like the meat dish. Neither are an issue with Pure Soul. If you're looking for a fantastic meal, good vibes, and great service, check them out. It's not just good vegan food. It's just darn good food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is going to be a lengthy review and I appreciate anyone who decides to read it all.

Yesterday was the first time I been to Pure Soul.
I was having a really bad day. My baby was having a difficult time and was crying on and off for an hour. Every time I would settle her and try to go back inside to order my food, she would start crying again.

My first experience with this restaurant started with the patrons. The kind of people that come into this establishment are such caring, amazing individuals. There was someone sitting at the table inside and my baby starts crying again and I start to walk outside. The patron stopped and asked me. “How can I support you?” I turned to them and I said, “I don’t think that there is anything that you can do in this situation but I appreciate you seeing me. What I needed in this moment was to be seen.” They then said, “I see you. You’re not alone.” Even the people outside that were eating weren’t bothered by my fussing baby. Sometimes it’s very difficult for me to go out without fear of someone being disturbed by my baby existing.

I finally order my food and Azure greets me with a smile and politely listens as I tell them about my difficult day.
In order from left to right, I end up getting:
* Sticky sweet potato cake (I think I messed this name up lol)
* Sweet potato pie
* Pecan bar
* Sweet potato fries and the mushroom Swiss burger

I’ll preface this by saying I’m an omnivore but back in the day I was vegan. I now have a dairy allergy.
Dessert first because I’m an adult:
The sweet potato pie is classic. Flaky crust, warm spices. Great, firm texture from the filling itself.
The pecan bar meets me in my dreams at night. Flaky bottom, chewy filling, crunchy pecans on top. Perfect ratio and definitely satisfies the sweet craving without it being sickenly sweet!
The sticky sweet potato cake is my absolute favourite. Not too dense, has those fall spices and nice sponginess from the cake.

Burger Time
The bun on the burger is delectable. Perfectly soft, but the outside crust has enough “give” to sustain the heft of the burger. Sautéed mushrooms and onions are amazing. The Swiss? Perfectly melted and has that “bite” like regular Swiss has. The homemade pickles are light, crisp, and refreshing. The ranch also gives a brightness that complements the burger well.

Andrew stopped by my table as I was eating to ask how everything was going and we had a great conversation about food and life.

They pay their employees a livable wage so they don’t have to rely on customers’ tips!
I could go on and on about this place. I have rarely ever been to a restaurant where the name lives up to everything. From the staff, decor, food, AND the patrons. I am excited to become a regular here!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The NC BBQ Plate, Burger, Pie

RJ, RJ, RJ‼️‼️ That's all I'll say about the customer service. He's the absOlute Best‼️
A ray of sunshine🌞 The food speaks for itself. Love that they have the portion ratio down. I hate big tasteless portions of plant based meats or substitutes. Pure Soul has the math down. Fish sandwich = Bomb 💣 😋. So are the soul rolls. Inspired me to just start making my own. The vibes are good as well. 10 outta 10, I definitely recommend 👌🏽.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

This food makes me want to move here to Durham and eat it EVERY DAY….The atmosphere is free and inviting..THE FOOD, OHHHHH MYYYYYY… THE SERVICE IS A1…..IM IN LOVE

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Was ordering a food delivery for a group with diversified dietary needs and was able to find sides that everyone could enjoy! After researching several nearby fooderies, Pure Soul was the only restaurant that could meet all the requirements. Recipients loved the food. Thank you, thank you, thank you❤️❤️😥😥

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious and large portions. Ignore the construction, and go on in. You won't be disappointed.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

They have great selections of sandwiches and drinks. They have a variety of desserts to choose from. From gluten-free to soy free to nut free, you can find a lot of options at this restaurant. It’s a great restaurant someone who is transitioning over Veganism. Updated from previous review on 2025-10-13

Whether you are vegan or not, the food here is REALLY tasty. I brought family here last week and again today. I also have it scheduled for my next date night with friends. Every single item we ordered was devoured. My favs: the black eyed pea side, southern fried drumsticks (!!!!!!), soul roll, mac n cheese and the fish plate. Dessert: peanut butter pie, although my sis loves the red velvet cake.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Close to I-85 , well worth the short drive. Food was amazing the fish looks and tastes like fish , the bbq was great , both styles were spot on. The homemade desserts are fantastic . I definitely enjoyed my greens and can’t wait to try the mac and cheese.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5