One of my favorite parts of living in Durham is its diverse community and food scene. I feel so lucky to live within 15 minutes of so many incredible locally owned businesses that make up the Bull City. Now more than ever local businesses need our support due to economic loss from the ongoing pandemic, especially Black-owned businesses. According to a Brookings Institute report, only 4.3% of the nation’s 22.2 million business owners are Black. By supporting Black-owned businesses, consumers are sending money directly into Black communities and households to help bridge the wealth gap. Below are a few of my favorite Black-owned restaurants in Durham:
Chicken Hut – The Chicken Hut is a long time Durham staple. They first opened their doors in 1957 and at the time was known as ‘The Chicken Box.’ The original location was at 410 S. Roxboro St., but moved to its current location after the entire block was torn down with urban renewal funds by the city of Durham in the 1960s. They are the second oldest continually operating restaurant in Durham! They are best known for their fried chicken, but another fan favorite is their oxtails dish which is served on Fridays. Their normal hours are 11:30am – 3:30pm on weekdays, but follow their social media for announcements for surprise weekend lunch/ breakfast! There will likely be a line, but it is worth it! Address: 3019 Fayetteville St. Durham, NC 27707
Big C Waffles – Big C Waffles takes the chicken and waffle dish to a whole new level and is known for the best waffles on earth! Big C started his business as a food truck back in 2014 a year after his father passed. He wanted to honor his father’s legacy and share his amazing waffles with more than just his friends and family. The brick and mortar location premiered in 2017. They have a walk up window to order and a covered patio to sit outside. They also have basketball hoops and other outdoor toys, as well as hosting Easter egg hunts to keep the kids entertained! Address: 2110 Allendown Dr. Durham, NC 27713
Saltbox Seafood – Saltbox Seafood serves up the best blackened shrimp I have ever had. Basically Chef Ricky Moore is a genius. His goal with the restaurant was to redefine what seafood was in an urban area. The original Saltbox Seafood was established in 2012, and a second location opened in 2017. You can check their menu daily online to see what fresh NC seafood will be available to order alongside their fried potatoes, hush-puppies, and coleslaw. The week of Thanksgiving they serve up crab grits and lobster rolls for one day a year and the line is always long, but I have heard it is amazing. In 2020 Saltbox was one of the award recipients of Discover’s ‘Eat It Forward’ campaign which celebrates Black-owned businesses across the country. Address: 2637 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. Durham, NC 27707
Debbie Lou/ True Flavors – I am sad to admit I have never actually dined at True Flavors but if it is even half as good as the gourmet biscuits their sister restaurant Debbie Lou’s served, I know I will love it. The Blueberry Chipotle Chicken Biscuit is honestly something dreams are made of. A crispy fried chicken breast in between a homemade blueberry biscuit with warm blueberry Chipotle glaze and sweet icing on top. Can you even?! I am drooling right now writing this thinking about it. That is the only thing I have ever ordered there because it is perfect and I can’t bear to try anything else since I am a creature of habit. Do yourself a flavor, and order this asap. Address: 5410 Hwy 55 Suite AK Durham, NC 27713
Gojo – Gojo’s opening in early 2021 was one of the best things to happen during the pandemic. Gojo is located just behind their OG location, Goorsha, which serves up traditional Ethiopian dishes. Gojo is a coffee shop and lounge which features unique breakfast sandwiches, paninis, and protein/ veggie bowls. The egg and avocado bagel with Awaze sauce and pesto is my go-to order. I love to sit out back on their gorgeous patio tucked away off Main Street. The chairs are comfy and you feel secluded, not actually in the downtown area. Address: 823 W. Morgan St. Durham, NC 27701
Nzinga’s Kitchen – Nzinga’s is a true hidden gem just outside of downtown Durham serving incredible Cajun and Creole style cuisine. Durham native, Chef Zuri Hester, opened her doors back in 2014. I first tried it back in 2015 when I had some friends visit from Ohio and one of them found it online. I had a giant red velvet pancake that day that was honestly bigger than my head. Nzinga’s is best known for their shrimp and grits and french toast. I have tried both and can confirm these two dishes are to die for. They are temporarily closed at the moment, but be sure to follow their social media to see when their grand re-opening is announced! Address: 826 Fayetteville St. #110 Durham, NC 27701
Beyu Caffe – Beyu Caffe (pronounced ‘be you’) has been a strong part of the Durham community since 2009. Their main location is in the heart of downtown Durham, but they have expanded to a smaller location on Duke University’s campus as well as recently opening in Boxyard RTP. They serve a variety of sweet and savory brunch items; the breakfast burrito and french toast are two of my favorites. Their coffee menu contains classic brews, as well as a long list of ‘dope specialties.’ The Carver’s Peanut Butter Latte is my go-to; even non-coffee drinkers wouldn’t be able to deny how delicious this drink is! Address: 341 W. Main St. Durham, NC 27701
Wonderpuff – Wonderpuff is honestly pure sugar-filled magic. Handspun cotton candy with so many unique and fun flavors to choose from along with the option to be topped with Pop Rocks. What a treat, what a dream. I first tried this shop when they had a pop-up shop at American Tobacco Campus. The vibe was so fun, and I was able to bring my dog inside which instantly gave them bonus points. There was a whole fun photo area with a blow up pool and confetti. I was obsessed. Now they have a permanent home at Boxyard RTP that is gorgeous and full of vibrant colors that is sure to brighten your mood as soon as you step foot inside. Address: 900 Park Offices Dr. Suite 165 Research Triangle, NC 27709
Boricua Soul – The name Boricua Soul is a combination of ‘Boricua’ named after the natives who live in what is today Puerto Rico, and ‘Soul Food’ a variety of cuisine popular in African American culture. When the owners, Toriano and Serena began living together, they started combining classic dishes they grew up with from both of their grandparents, and the idea for Boricua Soul was born. It started as a food truck, but they now have a permanent home inside American Tobacco Campus. My favorite item to order is the ‘Soul Bowl’ because you get a little bit of everything: Pernil (Puerto Rican Style Slow Roasted Pork) topped with pickled red onions, arroz con gandules, collards, mac and cheese, and tostones. Address: 705 Willard St. Durham, NC 27701
The Dankery – The Dankery serves up food I never knew I needed in my life, but now can’t live without. Piles of french fries topped with homemade sauces and fried shrimp covered in queso. They started as a food truck, but have recently opened up their own permanent spot just outside of downtown. They are open until 2:00 am on the weekends so they have all your late night cravings covered. The Dankery has around 30 sauce options and also offers vegan chicken nuggets so everyone can enjoy their glorious trays. The owner announced this month he is now providing 401k retirement plans for his employees, which is incredible to help his team plan for their futures! Address: 908 Fayetteville St Suite 101 Durham, NC 27701
The Slush – The Slush touched down on Main Street last summer and Raleigh Magazine just named it the #1 bar outside of Raleigh to visit, and for good reason. It features a variety of bright and colorful boozy and non-alcoholic slushies topped with your choice of sour or gummy candy. In the fall they added a signature slushy flight to their menu as well. This is the perfect way to cool off downtown during the brutal NC summer heat. Address: 321 W. Main St. Durham, NC 27701
What are ways you can support Black-owned businesses if you can’t afford to eat out right now? Tell a friend about them, share on social media, write a positive review on Google or Yelp. Leave a comment on what Black-owned businesses you want to support!
This is amazing, and these pictures are making me drool!!