Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Durham
Durham's food scene is one of the best in the South, and the good news is that most of it is surprisingly family-friendly. We've been eating our way through Durham with kids in tow for years, and these are the places we keep coming back to.
Downtown Durham & Brightleaf District
Dame's Chicken and Waffles on Rigsbee Avenue is a Durham institution and one of our kids' absolute favorite restaurants. The combination of crispy fried chicken and sweet waffles is basically designed for kids who can't decide between breakfast and dinner. Expect a wait on weekends (usually 20-30 minutes), but the staff is friendly about it and there's room to stand outside. Kids plates around $7, adult plates $12-16. High chairs available.
Bull City Burger and Brewery on Morgan Street is another downtown staple. The burgers are excellent, they brew their own beer (for the adults), and the atmosphere is casual enough that nobody minds crumbs on the floor. They occasionally feature exotic meat burgers — our 8-year-old thinks ordering a bison burger makes him an adventurer. Kids meals $6-8, adult burgers $12-16.
Durham Food Hall on Foster Street is Durham's answer to the "everyone wants something different" problem. Multiple vendors under one roof, open seating, and a general buzz that masks kid noise beautifully. Napoli Italian inside the food hall makes great pizza by the slice. Individual meals $8-15 per person.
Ninth Street District
Elmo's Diner on Ninth Street has been feeding Durham families since 1991. It's a classic diner with huge portions, a kids menu that goes beyond chicken fingers (though they have those too), and breakfast served all day. Our kids love the pancakes with funny faces. The wait can be long on weekend mornings — arrive before 9 AM or after 11 AM. Kids meals $5-7, adult entrees $9-14. Cash and card accepted.
Cosmic Cantina right nearby is the place for quick, cheap burritos. It's counter-service, no frills, and a burrito the size of your head costs about $7. Kids can get a quesadilla for around $4. No high chairs, but there are a few tables. Great for a fast lunch between errands.
South Durham
Torchy's Tacos near Southpoint Mall is a reliable choice when you're already out shopping. The queso is legendary, the kids taco plates are generous, and the colorful atmosphere keeps little ones engaged. Budget $30-40 for a family of four. High chairs and booster seats available, changing tables in restrooms.
Locopops on Hillsborough Road (technically a paleta and ice pop shop) is where we head after any South Durham outing. The fruit flavors are made with real fruit, and they have some creative options like chocolate-cayenne that adventurous kids love. Pops run $3-5 each.
Research Triangle Park Area
Only Burger has a location convenient to RTP, and it's exactly what it sounds like — burgers, done really well. The simplicity of the menu is a blessing with kids. Burger, fries, shake, done. Budget $25-35 for a family of four.
Tips for Durham Family Dining
Quick Reference: Best For...
| Need | Restaurant | Price | |———|—————-|———-| | Best comfort food | Dame's Chicken and Waffles | $$ | | Best burgers | Bull City Burger and Brewery | $$ | | Best quick Mexican | Cosmic Cantina | $ | | Best breakfast/brunch | Elmo's Diner | $ | | Best food hall | Durham Food Hall | $-$$ | | Best frozen treat | Locopops | $ | | Best near Southpoint | Torchy's Tacos | $$ |
Durham keeps opening new restaurants, and we keep testing them with our kids. These are our proven, battle-tested favorites.
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