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10 Awesome Black-Owned Restaurants in Durham
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Our Bull City is known for Duke University, tech, and medicine among many more things. If you know anything about us, you’ll know we love highlighting Durham’s awesome food scene. And in this post, we’re focusing on a group of black-owned restaurants in Durham that deserve some special recognition.
We’ve included some of them among our favorite casual places to eat and international spots, but thought a bit of extra attention was necessary. And while February is Black History Month, full of celebrations for the accomplishments of African-Americans, we will be promoting this article all year.
Because these places deserve your business regardless of what day falls on your calendar. Based on the lines forming inside and outside their doors on a nearly daily basis, I don’t think we’re alone.
This post is part of our series on Durham. We originally created it on February 5, 2020.
Black-Owned Restaurants in Durham NC
Note: We recognize that this list may not include all the black-owned restaurants in Durham. However, we are always looking to add more and expand! Let us know (by email) your favorite black-owned business for us to support.
The Chicken Hut
Website | 3019 Fayetteville St
The cafeteria-style and cash-only (at the time of writing) Chicken Hut has been serving up fresh homestyle food to its customers for more than 60 years.
Located near the campus of North Carolina Central University, this restaurant serves up the best fried chicken in all of Durham. Yep, we went there!
Why we love this business: The vibe. It’s unpretentious, open, and inviting. At The Chicken Hut, you will see people lining up out the door for their incredible and affordable food, laughing and talking to each other as they wait.
It’s a perfect spot to witness true community pride with a side of fried chicken and mac.
Jeddah’s Tea
Website | 123 Market St
On the corner of Market Street in an unassuming building sits one of Durham’s most chill spots—Jeddah’s Tea. Technically not a restaurant in the traditional vein, they offer pastries to go along with “tea to the people, for the people.”
Siegel and Suliman are the people behind Jeddah’s, and they’ve succeeded in their goal to create a space for the community to bond while also enjoying ethical and top-quality teas from around the world.
This is truly a place to disconnect and reconnect with those around you.
Why we love this business: The heart and soul. Jeddah’s was founded by two passionate people, $250, and a “nothing-to-lose” attitude.
Supported by the community through a Kickstarter, Jeddah’s grew from a pop-up space to a mindful and engaging space in less than a year. If you’re looking to keep up or reignite the passion for your path in life, you’ll find it at Jeddah’s.
Zweli’s
Menu | 4600 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd
Unless you can convince me otherwise, Zweli’s is the only Zimbabwean restaurant in the United States. It’s locally-owned in Durham by two incredible individuals.
From juicy and flavorful Piri Piri chicken to vegan and intriguing side dishes, an experience at Zweli’s packs a culinary punch. Located in the South Square area away from downtown, this is one international restaurant that should be on everyone’s list.
Why we love this business: The love that’s in the air here. When you read Chef Zwe’s story, you’ll find that she is a woman who has triumphed. Not only that but if you ask her husband Leonardo about their love story, you’ll find yourself melting to the floor.
The owners of Zweli bring so much love and compassion to each other and our community. Organizing efforts for Durham’s McDougald Terrace after they were evacuated following some truly tragic events, Zweli’s gathered donations, provided meals, and continued supporting the community.
For that, we believe they deserve all of our support.
Backyard Barbecue
Website | 5122 NC 55
Smoke billows from this building of Highway 55 each day as the folks behind Backyard Barbecue get things going. After eating here a few times, we can’t find a reason to not love Backyard Barbecue!
Their parking lot packs from the moment the doors open, and you’ll see why after picking up a plate. Backyard Barbecue serves some of the smokiest, most tender ribs and juicy turkey barbecue.
Why we love this business: The low-key vibe. With graffiti all over the walls and a chalkboard menu, Backyard reminds us that restaurants should be about the food, first and foremost.
With the hustle and bustle and growth in Bull City, sometimes you need to return to your roots, eat some collards, and remind yourself of the real food of North Carolina.
Nolia
Website | 1004 Morning Glory Ave
If you’re a parent, you get why this is one of our favorite Durham coffee shops! Created by parents, for parents, Nolia is a space where children are not only welcomed but celebrated.
With a play space for children and open-ended imaginative place, Nolia is the perfect spot for families to gather. Add in health-conscious menu items and high-quality coffee, and you have yourself the ideal family environment.
Why we love this business: Justin. Owner Justin Minott oozes with enthusiasm, passion, and a love for what he’s doing. Take one look at his blog, book, or podcast, and you know that Justin is a guy who is here to uplift his community and change our world for the better.
Ask him why he loves what he’s doing while he’s making your pour-over and we guarantee you’ll leave inspired to live your best life.
Dame’s Chicken and Waffles
Website | 530 Foster St (additional locations in Cary and Greensboro)
Chicken, waffles, drizzles, and a shmear? YES PLEASE.
Whether you credit Harlem or the South, the debate over Dame’s Chicken and Waffles should revolve around whether or not theirs is the best.
And girl is it good! The chicken and waffles at Dame’s isn’t the only creative thing in this building on Foster St. This restaurant’s decor perfectly complements the menu items with color and creativity.
Why we love this business: Their old-school dining vibe. You can’t make reservations at Dames, which some people don’t like. However, we believe this makes your meal that much worth it, especially if there’s a wait.
It’s not uncommon to see people hanging out on the corner of Foster St waiting for their tables, chatting and reconnecting. And ultimately, isn’t that what food is all about? Reconnecting with the people we shmear with?
