Durham - Where To Stay? Where to Eat?

[Rich]

I have 2 tix to the Miami game and am driving down to Duke from NJ with a buddy who's never been to the campus or to Cameron. I'd like to stay in a hotel that's close to the campus so we can spend time there, but I don't want to break the bank. We're not going to be spending a lot of time in the hotel so I'm not considering the Washington Duke Inn, even though I know it's gorgeous, because it's too expensive. Any suggestions for close, clean hotels moderately priced are appreciated. Also, dining suggestions are also appreciated. Definitely will plan on Bullocks, but what else?

[sue71]

I have 2 tix to the Miami game and am driving down to Duke from NJ with a buddy who's never been to the campus or to Cameron. I'd like to stay in a hotel that's close to the campus so we can spend time there, but I don't want to break the bank. We're not going to be spending a lot of time in the hotel so I'm not considering the Washington Duke Inn, even though I know it's gorgeous, because it's too expensive. Any suggestions for close, clean hotels moderately priced are appreciated. Also, dining suggestions are also appreciated. Definitely will plan on Bullocks, but what else?

I used to stay at the La Quinta in RTP. Not too far away & good value.

[TillyGalore]

I used to stay at the La Quinta in RTP. Not too far away & good value.

If you stay at the La Quinta on 15/501, there is a great Greek restaurant down the road called Spartacus. I work with a Greek man, and he said Spartacus has the best Greek food in the area. Pretty high praise!

[OZZIE4DUKE]

I have 2 tix to the Miami game and am driving down to Duke from NJ with a buddy who's never been to the campus or to Cameron. I'd like to stay in a hotel that's close to the campus so we can spend time there, but I don't want to break the bank. We're not going to be spending a lot of time in the hotel so I'm not considering the Washington Duke Inn, even though I know it's gorgeous, because it's too expensive. Any suggestions for close, clean hotels moderately priced are appreciated. Also, dining suggestions are also appreciated. Definitely will plan on Bullocks, but what else?

Try the Millennium Hotel on Maureen Road. It was originally built as the Sheraton. It is almost close enough to walk to campus if you don't have a car, and it is pretty nice. It won't set you back like the Washy Duke, but it is not the Red Roof Inn, either.

[DukeUsul]

My folks recently stayed at the Homewood Suites (http://homewoodsuites1.hilton.com/en_US/hw/hotel/RDUHWHW-Homewood-Suites-by-Hilton-Durham-Chapel-Hill-I--North-Carolina/index.do) on Mt. Moriah Rd. right off of 15-501. They absolutely loved it.

[DukeUsul]

For food:

Allen & Son BBQ on Rt 86 in Chapel Hill ($)
Elmo's Diner ($)
Foster's Market ($$)
Guglhupf ($$)
George's Garage ($$)
Dale's Indian Cuisine ($$)
Nana's ($$$)
Magnolia Grill ($$$)

[Indoor66]

My folks recently stayed at the Homewood Suites (http://homewoodsuites1.hilton.com/en_US/hw/hotel/RDUHWHW-Homewood-Suites-by-Hilton-Durham-Chapel-Hill-I--North-Carolina/index.do)on Mt. Moriah Rd. right off of 15-501. They absolutely loved it.

I believe there is a Comfort Inn in the same area. That is right at an I-40 interchange and has easy access to Duke, Durham and Chapel Hill.

[sue71]

I used to stay at the La Quinta in RTP. Not too far away & good value.

Here's the one (http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ184&propId=184&savedSearchQuery=%2Flq%2FproxySearchRes.do%3Favail ability.palsra_RPC1%3D%26searchCity%3DDURHAM%26sea rchState%3DNC%26searchRadius%3D30%26availability.p alsra_IND_M%3D11%26availability.palsra_IND_D%3D12% 26availability.palsra_IND_Y%3D2008%26availability. palsra_OTD_M%3D11%26availability.palsra_OTD_D%3D13 %26availability.palsra_OTD_Y%3D2008%26availability .palsra_NRM%3D1%26mapProvider%3DMapQuest%26searchT ype%3DGEO%26promocorp%3D#) I was referring to.

[jimbonelson]

I was down in Durham early this year and Georges Garage was great, but i stayed in the rtp and i thought it was a little far away

[rockymtn devil]

For food:

Allen & Son BBQ on Rt 86 in Chapel Hill ($)
Elmo's Diner ($)
Foster's Market ($$)
Guglhupf ($$)
George's Garage ($$)
Dale's Indian Cuisine ($$)
Nana's ($$$)
Magnolia Grill ($$$)

Everything on this list is great. In addition to these, I also try to eat at Crook's Corner in Chapel Hill ($$) when in the area. And, haven't been in years, but Anothertyme ($$), right near Brightleaf Square in Durham was always good. Both would be good if you're looking to have a nicer dinner without breaking the bank.

[Raleighfan]

Everything on this list is great. In addition to these, I also try to eat at Crook's Corner in Chapel Hill ($$) when in the area. And, haven't been in years, but Anothertyme ($$), right near Brightleaf Square in Durham was always good. Both would be good if you're looking to have a nicer dinner without breaking the bank.

Two of our faves are Vin Rouge and Pop's. Vin Rouge is great for French "comfort food", service is good, convenient to East campus, right off Ninth Street. Pop's is more in the downtown area, but not all that far from campus, in Brightleaf Square area. You'll eat (and drink) well at both these places for a reasonable price. PM me if you need more details/raves about these two.

[Cavlaw]

I always liked Anotherthyme - some reliably excellent items on the regular menu, and some of the specials I've had there are terrific. The atmosphere is quite nice, too.

Spartacus is a really good choice, but I'm spoiled by the Greek places in Chicago.

Also on 15-501, Grace's is a solid choice for "Americana". I'm partial to their chicken quesadilla, which is covered in paprika. They serve their bread gratis with a cinnamon butter that's really tasty.

I've heard good things about Four Square, but never made it there for a meal while I was at school.

Foster's is a terrific place to get a sandwich for lunch.

For good dive Mexican, definitely hit Torrero's. Anyone steering you towards El Rodeo instead is out of their mind. The chain variety is found on 15-501 in the form of On The Border, which is about my favorite chain in the world and hard to get to in Chicago.

I like Parizade's fairly well for Med style dishes, but it's rather pricey for what it is. And while the interior decor is nice enough, it's located randomly in an office park that's quiet as a crypt during the evening. Odd dynamic.

George's Garage is rather expensive for a mediocre meal, I can't say I recommend it. despite the high praise it gets from the sorority scene.

If you go to Pop's, be ready for seafood. Speaking from experience as a non-seafood eater - if you're not in the mood for fish/crab/whatever, you won't find what you want there.

Oh, and just because you decided not to stay at the Washington Duke doesn't mean you can't eat there. The Fairview is a dependable restaurant.

[devildeac]

For food:

Allen & Son BBQ on Rt 86 in Chapel Hill ($)
Elmo's Diner ($)
Foster's Market ($$)
Guglhupf ($$)
George's Garage ($$)
Dale's Indian Cuisine ($$)
Nana's ($$$)
Magnolia Grill ($$$)

Four Square $$$-$$$$ (are they still open?)
Watts Grocery-near Dale's ($$-$$$)-relatively new-Southern contemporary cuisine

[Master Shake]

Biscuit King.


(runs away sobbing)

[xenic]

Four Square $$$-$$$$ (are they still open?)


Yeah, they're still open, and they're awesome.
I also really like Lantern over in Chapel Hill

[DukeUsul]

Four Square $$$-$$$$ (are they still open?)
Watts Grocery-near Dale's ($$-$$$)-relatively new-Southern contemporary cuisine

Ooh I forgot Watts. Love it.

[TillyGalore]

I always liked Anotherthyme - some reliably excellent items on the regular menu, and some of the specials I've had there are terrific. The atmosphere is quite nice, too.

Spartacus is a really good choice, but I'm spoiled by the Greek places in Chicago.

Also on 15-501, Grace's is a solid choice for "Americana". I'm partial to their chicken quesadilla, which is covered in paprika. They serve their bread gratis with a cinnamon butter that's really tasty.

I've heard good things about Four Square, but never made it there for a meal while I was at school.

Foster's is a terrific place to get a sandwich for lunch.

For good dive Mexican, definitely hit Torrero's. Anyone steering you towards El Rodeo instead is out of their mind. The chain variety is found on 15-501 in the form of On The Border, which is about my favorite chain in the world and hard to get to in Chicago.

I like Parizade's fairly well for Med style dishes, but it's rather pricey for what it is. And while the interior decor is nice enough, it's located randomly in an office park that's quiet as a crypt during the evening. Odd dynamic.

George's Garage is rather expensive for a mediocre meal, I can't say I recommend it. despite the high praise it gets from the sorority scene.

If you go to Pop's, be ready for seafood. Speaking from experience as a non-seafood eater - if you're not in the mood for fish/crab/whatever, you won't find what you want there.

Oh, and just because you decided not to stay at the Washington Duke doesn't mean you can't eat there. The Fairview is a dependable restaurant.

Four Square is more of an experience, and they are very pricey. Four Square is where you go to celebrate something not just have dinner.

On the Border on 15/501 looks closed.

Parizades is excellent, as is Papa's Grille on Hillandale, not far from the Medical Center. Same type of cuisine, Mediterranean. Papa's also seems to be slower in terms of customers than Parizades, thus easier to get seated if you walk in the door.

[CathyCA]

I ate at Parizade's last week. The food was delicious and the wine selection was decent.

[allenmurray]

Courtyard by Marriot at the intersection of Hillandale Road and I-85. A lot nicer than you might think given that it is right on the highway. Very convenient to campus. Reasonable.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/rdufs-courtyard-durham-near-duke-university-downtown/

Parizade and Anotherthyme have both been around forever - they are consistently good. If you stay at the Courtyard by Marriott you will be walking distance from Papa's Grille (not to be confused with Pop's). It is excellent. I have never been disappointed there.

Of course, for the best possible meal in the area you will have to go to :)Allen & Son's BBQ :)at the intersection of Hwy 86 and Mt. Sainia road between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. There is a downside, however. Once you have had BBQ there you will never have BBQ as good until you return. From then on everytime you eat BBQ you will find yourself saying, "this is okay, but I wish I was at Allen & Son's" It has ruined many a good BBQ experience for people. The BBQ at Allen & Son's is the only BBQ served in heaven.

[DukeUsul]

Of course, for the best possible meal in the area you will have to go to :)Allen & Son's BBQ :)at the intersection of Hwy 86 and Mt. Sainia road between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. There is a downside, however. Once you have had BBQ there you will never have BBQ as good until you return. From then on everytime you eat BBQ you will find yourself saying, "this is okay, but I wish I was at Allen & Son's" It has ruined many a good BBQ experience for people. The BBQ at Allen & Son's is the only BBQ served in heaven.

You are forgetting the other downside. Allen & Son is frequently overrun by people of the light blue persuasion. It's best to just avert the eyes and focus on the food.

[allenmurray]

You are forgetting the other downside. Allen & Son is frequently overrun by people of the light blue persuasion. It's best to just avert the eyes and focus on the food.

The BBQ is so good it is worth it. Her is a little know fact - if you are a duke fan the BBQ is fat free and cholesterol free. It is BBQ magic - no one knows how they do it.

[Rich]

Does anyone know anything about the Marriott Durham Convention Center on Foster Street? It turns out that I get a discount there through my company -- http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/rducv-durham-marriott-at-the-civic-center/. It looks decent and seems to be pretty close to campus.

Also, any tips on where a visitor parks on campus, particularly near Cameron, are appreciated. Do I have to contact the Duke Parking Office and get a visitor sticker or anything?

[Indoor66]

Does anyone know anything about the Marriott Durham Convention Center on Foster Street? It turns out that I get a discount there through my company -- http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/rducv-durham-marriott-at-the-civic-center/. It looks decent and seems to be pretty close to campus.

Also, any tips on where a visitor parks on campus, particularly near Cameron, are appreciated. Do I have to contact the Duke Parking Office and get a visitor sticker or anything?

Parking: http://www.irondukes.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5100&KEY=&ATCLID=178297

[devildeac]

Courtyard by Marriot at the intersection of Hillandale Road and I-85. A lot nicer than you might think given that it is right on the highway. Very convenient to campus. Reasonable.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/rdufs-courtyard-durham-near-duke-university-downtown/

Parizade and Anotherthyme have both been around forever - they are consistently good. If you stay at the Courtyard by Marriott you will be walking distance from Papa's Grille (not to be confused with Pop's). It is excellent. I have never been disappointed there.

Of course, for the best possible meal in the area you will have to go to :)Allen & Son's BBQ :)at the intersection of Hwy 86 and Mt. Sainia road between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. There is a downside, however. Once you have had BBQ there you will never have BBQ as good until you return. From then on everytime you eat BBQ you will find yourself saying, "this is okay, but I wish I was at Allen & Son's" It has ruined many a good BBQ experience for people. The BBQ at Allen & Son's is the only BBQ served in heaven.

Speaking of pig, do we get to see you and taste your pork tenderloin at the next BG? Depending on gametime, we should make this the Gourmetgate for the year.

[devildeac]

The BBQ is so good it is worth it. Her is a little know fact - if you are a duke fan the BBQ is fat free and cholesterol free. It is BBQ magic - no one knows how they do it.

Yea, right. And the custard at Goodberry's is also fat free and cholesterol free as one of my wife's friends tried to convince her/us last year. I guess Ted Drewes (sp?) is the same way:rolleyes:.

[devildeac]

Does anyone know anything about the Marriott Durham Convention Center on Foster Street? It turns out that I get a discount there through my company -- http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/rducv-durham-marriott-at-the-civic-center/. It looks decent and seems to be pretty close to campus.

Also, any tips on where a visitor parks on campus, particularly near Cameron, are appreciated. Do I have to contact the Duke Parking Office and get a visitor sticker or anything?


The downtown Marriott would actually be a good choice. We had a family meal there last year 'cuz it was a central meeting place. Nice, new facility. Close to East. I think Pop's is near there along with another French type bistro. Also near the American Tobacco area which has a Mello Mushroom and Tyler's Taproom and another cafe or two.

[allenmurray]

Speaking of pig, do we get to see you and taste your pork tenderloin at the next BG? Depending on gametime, we should make this the Gourmetgate for the year.

Well, I could post a lengthy reply that includes all of my legitimate excuses for my absences, but instead I will keep my reply simple:

Yes

[devildeac]

Well, I could post a lengthy reply that includes all of my legitimate excuses for my absences, but instead I will keep my reply simple:

Yes

I did not intend to spotlight your absences. Family comes first as it did for us for 20+ years with our children and their activities. Still does for that matter. I was merely requesting the honor of your presence (and your porcine preparation;)) at the final, unofficial DBR tailgate of the year:D.

To your "yes,", I would also simply reply: Excellent (assuming fall baseball is done)

[Inonehand]

The downtown Marriott would actually be a good choice. We had a family meal there last year 'cuz it was a central meeting place. Nice, new facility. Close to East. I think Pop's is near there along with another French type bistro. Also near the American Tobacco area which has a Mello Mushroom and Tyler's Taproom and another cafe or two.

The French spot is Rue Cler. Excellent. Also very close to 'Piedmont'. Also very good. And make sure you hit 'Toast' downtown. Best soups EVER and really good panini.

[allenmurray]

I did not intend to spotlight your absences. Family comes first as it did for us for 20+ years with our children and their activities. Still does for that matter. I was merely requesting the honor of your presence (and your porcine preparation;)) at the final, unofficial DBR tailgate of the year:D.

To your "yes,", I would also simply reply: Excellent (assuming fall baseball is done)

I know you weren't getting on me for being absent - but I had such a great time at the one that I did attend that I really missed all of the others.

Then, I was presented at the last football game with an entire plate of Oatmeal Raisin cookies - which were delicious and heartily consumed (and left me wondering what other delicacies I missed out on through the season).

Fall baseball is over. We had a good year, but we are glad it is over. I am hoping that by the Carolina game we will be 6 - 5, bowl eligible, with a victory over Carolina securing our bid.

[aimo]

There is a small hotel called The Brookwood across the street from the VA Hospital (on Fulton St/Elba St, across Erwin from Duke Hospital). It is inexpensive but clean. It also has a fridge and microwave in each room. You could walk to the game (a bit of a hike) or probably hop on a campus bus at the hospital. No worry about parking. Near there is a newish place called Nosh, a new place called Sushi Love that I haven't tried yet but heard good things about. Or a short drive to Ninth St/Perry St for a Cosmic Cantina burrito and a beer.

[TillyGalore]

There is a small hotel called The Brookwood across the street from the VA Hospital (on Fulton St/Elba St, across Erwin from Duke Hospital). It is inexpensive but clean. It also has a fridge and microwave in each room. You could walk to the game (a bit of a hike) or probably hop on a campus bus at the hospital. No worry about parking. Near there is a newish place called Nosh, a new place called Sushi Love that I haven't tried yet but heard good things about. Or a short drive to Ninth St/Perry St for a Cosmic Cantina burrito and a beer.

The Brookwood Inn also has a quaint little cafe with good food.

[The Gordog]

Two of our faves are Vin Rouge and Pop's. Vin Rouge is great for French "comfort food", service is good, convenient to East campus, right off Ninth Street. Pop's is more in the downtown area, but not all that far from campus, in Brightleaf Square area. You'll eat (and drink) well at both these places for a reasonable price. PM me if you need more details/raves about these two.

I second the nomination of Vin Rouge. They have a tremendous wine list, both international and domestic, fine steaks and creative specials. And they stay open late. Last month I rolled in at 10:30 Friday night the traffic getting out of DC was so bad and they had no problem seating us.

[devildeac]

Tyler's Taproom in the American Tobacco Warehouse complex is good for fine pub foods with some fancy salads, a few nice entrees and, of course, the great selection of bottled and draft brews:D.

[DukieInKansas]

The French spot is Rue Cler. Excellent. Also very close to 'Piedmont'. Also very good. And make sure you hit 'Toast' downtown. Best soups EVER and really good panini.

We had lunch at Rue Cler last year when spending a few hours in Durham for a quick tour of campus. It was excellent.

[blazindw]

For a Japanese steakhouse, I recommend Kanki. It's across 15-501 from the Walmart complex (on Mt. Moriah, next to Home Depot and behind Bob Evans and Outback). On the Border is closed....but Bojangles is still open! For the best burgers in town, quite possibly in all of North Carolina, check out Wimpys across from the ABC store on Hicks Street...get there early, they close at 2pm.

For a great steak dinner, Angus Barn in Raleigh is what you want. Finally, quench your thirst with a great shake from Cookout Grill.

[sue71]

For a great steak dinner, Angus Barn in Raleigh is what you want.

'Nuff said.

[Indoor66]

For a Japanese steakhouse, I recommend Kanki. It's across 15-501 from the Walmart complex (on Mt. Moriah, next to Home Depot and behind Bob Evans and Outback). On the Border is closed....but Bojangles is still open! For the best burgers in town, quite possibly in all of North Carolina, check out Wimpys across from the ABC store on Hicks Street...get there early, they close at 2pm.

For a great steak dinner, Angus Barn in Raleigh is what you want. Finally, quench your thirst with a great shake from Cookout Grill.

Remember when Bill Foster did the ads for Kanki Steakhouse?

[roywhite]

Remember when Bill Foster did the ads for Kanki Steakhouse?

Yeah, that rang a bell; I recall attending the 1978 Eastern Regionals in snowy Providence, RI, where the Devils defeated Penn and Villanova on their way to the Final Four in St. Louis. Met the owner of Kanki and his family at some sort of alumni reception. His name was Len Merle, or something like that; he was a booster and apparently had made a friendship with Bill Foster.

Nice guy, good restaurant, good memory of that 1978 season.