SouthernBuild-your-own Southern$$$14-20downtownSun-Mon 10:00-14:30; Tue 09:00-15:00; Wed-Thu 09:00-19:30; Fri-Sat 09:00-20:30Walk-in only
The definitive Durham brunch: choose bird preparation, waffle style, schmear and drizzle. Sweet potato waffle with spiced honey butter is the signature.
Order: Sweet potato waffle with fried chicken and spiced honey butter
American dinerClassic American diner$$9-15ninth-streetMon-Fri 07:00-15:00; Sat-Sun 07:00-15:30Walk-in only
The Ninth Street brunch anchor since the 1980s. Scratch pancakes and bottomless coffee from 07:00 daily. Weekend waits are real; arrive before 08:00.
Order: Pancakes with maple syrup
Southern soul foodCreole-Southern breakfast$$$12-20downtownWed-Sun 08:00-14:00Walk-in only
A Creole-Southern brunch counter open Wednesday through Sunday from 08:00. Shrimp and grits with smoked andouille is the signature. Biscuits alongside.
Order: Shrimp and grits with smoked andouille
GermanGerman bakery brunch$$$12-22old-west-durhamTue-Fri 07:30-18:00; Sat 07:30-18:00; Sun 08:30-15:00Reservations accepted
The German bakery's biergarten terrace is one of few Durham spots for rye bread, strudel and schnitzel before noon. Bakery opens at 07:30; restaurant follows.
Order: Strudel with cream
French bistroFrench bistro brunch$$$$16-28old-west-durhamTue-Sat 17:00-22:00; Sun 10:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:00Reservations recommended
Vin Rouge's Sunday brunch adds crepes, eggs Benedicts and French pastry to the bistro. Reservations make it one of Durham's quietest mid-morning options.
Order: Eggs Benedict and a glass of crémant
New AmericanHotel brunch with art$$$$18-32downtownMon-Fri 07:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:00; Sat-Sun 08:00-14:00 and 17:00-22:00Reservations accepted
The 21c Museum Hotel restaurant serves brunch amid rotating art. NC shrimp and grits and smoked salmon benedict are the strongest plates on the local menu.
Order: NC shrimp and grits