01
Best countryside hangout
Almendra Winery & Distillery
Durham Countryside • Winery Bistro And Tasting Room • Best For Wine-Focused Dinners
A rustic-chic winery with hearty bites, house-made spirits, and an easygoing small-town vibe.
Set among orchards just outside Durham, Almendra doubles as both a tasting room and a relaxed spot for dinner or small plates. Expect wood-fired pizzas, shareable appetizers, and weekly specials that pair well with their wines and craft cocktails. It’s where locals linger over drinks on a Friday night without ever feeling rushed.
02
Go-to Mexican spot
Pueblito Mexican Grill
Central Durham • Casual Mexican Restaurant • Best For Hearty Mexican Plates
A friendly, family-run Mexican spot known for generous portions and familiar comfort dishes.
Pueblito is the kind of place where the staff remembers regulars and combination plates rule the menu. From sizzling fajitas and burritos to reliable enchiladas and crispy tacos, everything arrives fast, hot, and satisfying. It’s a convenient choice when you want a low-key meal right in town without driving into Chico.
03
Classic small-town diner
Red Rooster Cafe
Durham Crossroads • Homey American Café • Best For Breakfast And Locals
A no-frills café serving big breakfasts, burgers, and plenty of coffee to the Durham regulars.
Red Rooster feels like the community’s living room, especially during the morning rush of farmers, students, and families. The menu leans classic—think pancakes, omelets, patty melts, and daily specials—served in hearty portions. If you want to hear what’s happening around town over a plate of eggs and hash browns, this is the place to do it.
04
Chico date-night favorite
Unwined Kitchen & Bar
Downtown Chico • Modern American Kitchen And Wine Bar • Best Date-Night Spot
A polished yet relaxed Chico restaurant with seasonal small plates, a strong wine list, and lively bar energy.
Just up the highway in Chico, Unwined is where many Durham locals head for a more urban-feeling evening out. The menu changes with the seasons, but you can count on creative appetizers, well-executed mains, and thoughtful wine and cocktail pairings. Sit at the bar for a casual night or grab a table for a full, lingering dinner.
05
Elevated American standby
The Grill
North Chico • Upscale Yet Relaxed American Grill • Best For A Polished Night Out
A Chico mainstay offering steaks, seafood, and classic American comfort dishes in a warm, clubby setting.
The Grill is a dependable choice when you want something a step up from casual without feeling overly formal. Steaks, prime rib, and seafood anchor the menu, backed by hearty sides and a solid cocktail lineup. It’s a popular pick for celebrations, visiting family dinners, or any night you’re willing to make the short drive for a more refined meal.