Resident Favorites
Durham's nationally renowned cuisine offers many wonderful culinary opportunities, and Durham residents feel passionate about their food as evidenced by their responses when surveyed to identify their “resident favorites.”
Unaided, survey participants listed their favorite establishments for the following 10 categories:
- Restaurant That Represents Durham's Unique Sense of Place:
Respondents named 70 different establishments they believe represent Durham’s unique sense of place, but Watts Grocery and Piedmont tied for the top spot closely followed by Magnolia Grill.
- Favorite Place in Durham to Get Barbecue:
Durhamites identified 10 places to get the best barbecue, with The Original Q-Shack topping the list.
- Favorite Place in Durham for Breakfast:
37 places were named, but Elmo’s Diner is the clear favorite.
- Favorite Place in Durham for Sushi:
Mt. Fugi is atop the sushi ladder with Shiki Sushi on its heels, out of the 15 restaurants Durhamites listed.
- Favorite Place in Durham to Get a Frozen Treat:
I scream you scream…Durham screams for Locopops as the clear favorite frozen treat destination.
- Favorite Kids’ Menu in Durham:
Out of 27 locations named, Elmo’s Diner came out on top.
- Favorite Place in Durham for a Vegetarian:
Anotherthyme Restaurant & Bar was the favorite among its 41 competitors.
- Favorite Date-Friendly Restaurant in Durham:
It was a close one, but Nana’s Restaurant gets the nod, with Piedmont and Pop’s tied for a close second.
- Favorite Place in Durham for Mexican:
Torero’s Mexican Restaurant wins this category, though 16 others were named as well.
- Favorite Place in Durham for Cheap Eats (entrees under $8):
Out of 42 establishments named, Cosmic Cantina tops the list.
