Get Durham's finest burgers at these 5 places
While burgers have evolved over time, nothing can beat the original beef-patty stacked with cheese and toppings, or even drizzled in home-made sauces and engulfed in fluffy buns.
Especially in Durham, it isn’t hard to find yourself surrounded by a surplus of amazing burger joints. With each putting their own spin on the dish, every restaurant has something unique to enjoy.
We have put together a list, using winners from WRAL Voters' Choice Awards and online review sites that will help guide you through your local burger journey.
OnlyBurger
About the spot: Starting as a food truck, OnlyBurger has now become a fully-functioning restaurant in Durham with a clear mission: provide the best burgers and fries in Durham. Their initial food truck was the trend setter for Durham’s current food truck scene, and allowed them to gain a loyal following of clientele as they expanded.
What to eat: Every burger is made fresh upon order, and fries are hand cut and fried to perfection for each customer. Make no qualms about it, the star item on the menu is their burger, but done multiple different ways: the FGTBurger with fried green tomatoes and The Texan with braised brisket are just two examples. Other menu items include sliders so you can try multiple burgers, Carolina Dogs and milkshakes or ice cream sandwiches to top off your meal.
Voters’ Choice Awards: This burger was named Third Place in the 2022 awards.
Address: 3710 Shannon Road., Suite 118, Durham
Phone: 919-937-9377
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
QueenBurger
About the spot: Smash burgers anyone? Adored by Durham locals, QueenBurger is known for its smashed burgers made with grass-fed beef, earning a spot on Indy Week's Best New Restaurant in 2021. QueenBurger has since opened its first brick and mortar store at American Tobacco Campus.
What to eat: What completes the perfect burger better than housemade toppings such as zesty ranch and fire-spiced fried onions? QueenBurger aims to excel in creating a burger and play with their menu creations to keep customers on their toes. Alongside their unique take on the classic dish, the restaurant works to be affordable as well.
Voters’ Choice Awards: This burger was named a Finalist in the 2022 awards.
Address: 325 Blackwell St., Suite 125, Durham
Email: info@eatqueenburger.com
Hours of Operation: Monday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Burger Bach
About the spot: As a New Zealand-inspired Gastro Pub, Burger Bach aims to bring New Zealand to you. They source the best and healthiest products from both the local area and New Zealand to ensure the highest quality of food.
What to eat: Through their outstanding burgers and drinks, Burger Bach creates a lively place for people to socialize and enjoy their meals. Alongside their extensive list of creative burger combinations (both meat and vegetarian), they also offer sides, starters and salads. For a taste of the Southern Hemisphere, try Burger Bach and their wide variety of options.
Address: 737 9th St., Durham,
Phone: 919-973-4416
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m..; Closed Monday
Bull City Burger and Brewery
About the spot: Bull City Burger and Brewery is a local microbrewery that serves locally-raised beef burgers and house beers. Their casual setting makes it the perfect place for families and friends to meet for meals.
What to eat: Alongside their excellent burgers and beer, the restaurant also prides itself in housemade vegetarian and vegan burgers, hotdogs, and starters. Their specialized build-your-own burger menu allows customers to completely customize their meal with cheeses, signature toppings and house-made toppings.
Address: 107 E. Parrish St., Suite 105, Durham
Phone: 919-680-2333
Hours of Operation: Sunday to Thursday 11:11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:11 a.m to 11 p.m.
Dain’s Place
About the spot: With their casual and convenient setting, Dain’s Place has carved out their spot in the burger business as a tasty choice for a pub lunch or dinner. Offering a full bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and four HD TVs always tuned into your favorite programming, this restaurant is already a great place to eat without even touching their outstanding menu.
What to eat: Dain’s Place offers a variety of sandwiches and sides, as well as fully customizable burger meals. With so many toppings and sauces to choose from, you’re certain to never get bored. If you’re looking for something beyond burgers, consider the “Fly Eagles Fly” Cheese Steak Sandwich, Three Cheese Grilled Cheese, Big Ol’ BLT Sandwich, Fried Bologna Sandwich or The Reuben.
Address: 754 9th St., Durham
Phone: 919-416-8800
Hours of Operation: Monday 3 p.m. to midnight; Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight
