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Eat at one of these Durham restaurants when you travel to see the Blue Devils.
I have been going to Duke basketball games at Cameron Indoor Stadium since 2003. I was also that guy who would always grab a cheeseburger from McDonald’s at the Bryan Center just before a game. It wasn’t until recently (last couple years) that I realized I needed to check out the restaurants in the Durham area.
With Durham recently being voted one of the “South’s Tastiest Towns” by Southern Living, I knew I had to check out some of the restaurants. I wanted to eat at restaurants you would see other Duke fans at. After talking with several people, I came up with a list of restaurants. I then began checking out these restaurants before and after my trips to Duke basketball and football games.
Below is a list (in no particular order) of what I think are the top places for a Duke fan to grab food before or after a game. All of these restaurants are welcoming to Duke fans and some of them even have Duke memorabilia on the walls.
Cosmic Cantina
Located just off 9th street is Cosmic Cantina. It’s a Mexican restaurant where you will find many Duke fans getting food after a game. As you open the door, you see a set of steps that will quickly get your attention with the writing on them. Could it be “The Best Mexican Food On The Planet”..as the sign says? I would say this place and a little taco stand in Key West could both have solid arguments for that title.
I recommend the Chicken Burrito Deluxe. The cheese dip is also amazing.
As you walk to the cash register to place your order, you will notice a Duke Basketball poster in the background. Cosmic Cantina is also open till 5am, which will easily accommodate hunger cravings after those late night Duke basketball games.
Charlie’s Pub and Grille
Located on 9th street is Charlie’s. It offers your casual American cuisine in a sports bar setting with HDTVs all around to catch the game. As you enter through the door, you will see a lot of Duke memorabilia hanging all over the walls, ranging from posters to jerseys. The owner of Charlie’s is an Iron Duke and season ticket holder as well. I recommend the cheeseburger and fries. Charlie’s is a great place to grab some food and watch a game.
Bull City Burger and Brewery
Located on East Parrish Street in downtown Durham is Bull City Burger and Brewery. They are open seven days a week and offer a selection of burgers and beer.
While at the bar, you can look behind you and see the brewery through the glass. They offer tours of the brewery on Saturdays. They also make their own soda as well. They offer up to 8 beers on tap and rotate their selection throughout the year.
I recommend the Over Easy burger. Bull City Burger and Brewery is a great place downtown to grab a burger and beer.
http://bullcityburgerandbrewery.com
Bullock’s BBQ
Located on Quebec Drive in Durham is Bullock’s BBQ. Bullock’s is a restaurant known for its BBQ. They also offer a wide range of vegetables and desserts, too. As you walk in, you get the feeling of a family-style restaurant. On the walls and behind the counter you will see Duke memorabilia. I recommend the BBQ plate with hushpuppies and fries. Bullock’s is a great place to grab some BBQ when going to a game.
Satisfaction
Located on West Main Street in Durham is Satisfaction, which is known for its pizza. They also have a wide range of items to choose from on their menu. Satisfaction has plenty of TVs for the sports fan to catch a game. When you stop by Satisfaction, be sure to check out all the Duke memorabilia on the walls. I recommend the pizza.
http://satisfactionrestaurant.com
Tobacco Road Sports Cafe
Located on South Mangum Street in Durham is Tobacco Road Sports Cafe. There are three locations in North Carolina, including the one I visited in Durham. As you walk in, you will see ACC banners as well as pics of former basketball players. This place has several TVs to accommodate all sports fans. I recommend the Mac and Cheese.
http://www.tobaccoroadsportscafe.com
This is my list of Top Durham Restaurants for Duke fans to check out. I love food and I love Duke Basketball. Did I miss a restaurant Duke fans need to check out? Let us know in the comments section below.
You can follow Freddie on Twitter @Skeelow22 or his blog at: skeelowdukefan.com