Black-Owned Restaurants and Food Businesses to Support in Durham

This is article was originally posted on Girl Eats World. Elena Rodriguez invited me to share the post on The Bulls of Durham’s blog too. There are so many ways to show up to support the Black community and one way is supporting Black-owned businesses. Here is a list of restaurants and food businesses that you can support the next time you’re feeling hungry in Durham.

Black-Owned Restaurants and Food Businesses to Support in Durham

Chicken Hut

I have a soft heart for unassuming restaurants with little aesthetics but score high in charm, history, and flavor. Chicken Hut first opened in the 1950s. Their crunchy salty batter and juicy meat will make you wish you ordered more. They are open for lunch only.

Chicken Hut
412 Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701
chickenhutnc.weebly.com

True Flavors Diner

Find gourmet versions of diner classics like lobster omelets and spicy chorizo chicken hash on True Flavors Diner’s menu. Pictured is their duck hash. They currently have online ordering and takeout.

True Flavors Diner
5410 Highway 55 Suite AJ AK, Durham, NC 27713
trueflavorsdiner.com

Dame’s Chicken and Waffles

Dame’s Chicken and Waffles is another beloved establishment in the Triangle, serving the most varied chicken and waffles menu I’ve ever seen. Even their schmear list is expansive, from strawberry creme to orange honeycomb. They are currently open for takeout.

Dame’s Chicken and Waffles
multiple locations
dameschickenwaffles.com

Big C’s Waffles

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And while we’re on the topic of chicken and waffles, if you go to Big C Waffles, you’ll more than likely see Big C himself making your waffles and frying your chicken. The fried chicken has an addictive peppery batter. Don’t miss out on the Granny B Koolaid. It tastes like childhood joy.

Big C’s Waffles
412 Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701
bigcwaffles.com

Beyu Caffe

A local Durham gem, Beyu Caffé has such a homey and community-building atmosphere. They have an all-day breakfast menu with classic brunch items like French toast and omelets. I always feel spoiled when I can eat breakfast and brunch all day, all week. Pictured is catfish and grits!

Beyu Caffé
412 Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701
beyucaffe.com

Saltbox Seafood Joint

Head Chef Ricky Moore is a U.S. Army veteran and a James Beard semifinalist. Saltbox has been a Durham favorite since they opened their first seafood shack. I’m in love with their blackened fish rolls and hush-honeys. They are open for takeaway and in-store pickup.

Saltbox Seafood Joint
multiple locations
saltboxseafoodjoint.com

Royal Cheesecake & Varieties

Follow Royal Cheesecake and Varieties on Instagram to see where their pop-ups are. They serve all over the Triangle. You won’t regret it. Pictured above is their Fried Chicken Cheesecake. Ridiculous and delicious.

Royal Cheesecake & Varieties
rcvcakes.com

Bespoke Dessert Bar

My dear talented friend Trista, the owner of Bespoke Dessert Bar, specializes in cupcakes. I’ve used her cupcakes for an event before and received so many happy reviews! Please consider her for your private party needs.

Bespoke Dessert Bar
bespokedessertbar.com

Goorsha

There are so many reasons why I love Goorsha. They serve Ethiopian food, and Ethiopian fare is one way to get me excited about vegetables and eating vegan. They are currently open for takeout and are taking online orders.

Goorsha
412 Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701
goorshadurham.com

Perkins Orchard

Perkins Orchard is Durham’s largest and oldest fruit stand. You can peruse their locally sourced fresh fruits and vegetables. They also have Mexican-style popsicles, jams, fruit ciders, and more. It’s a beautiful location with picnic tables nestled between pecan trees. They currently are honoring their regular business hours.

Perkins Orchard
412 Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701
perkinsorchard.com/home/

Tall Grass Food Box

And another Black-owned produce option is Tall Grass Food Box. Tall Grass Food Box supports the sustainability of Black farmers, by increasing their visibility and holding space for them in the local marketplace. You can read more about Tall Grass Food Box in Sheila’s article, Putting Black Farmers First.

Tall Grass Food Box
tallgrassnc.com

And that concludes my list for now of Black-owned restaurants and food businesses in Durham. I’ll be updating the original post as I continue to explore the beautiful city of Durham.