Taqueria La Vaquita ★ 4.1
Marked by a bovine statue, Taqueria La Vaquita is one of Durham's best-value taqueria counters. Tacos at $4-5 each; al pastor and birria are the best choices.
Try: Tacos and burritos
King's Sandwich Shop is an american budget eat in Golden Belt, Durham.
A Durham institution since 1942, King's on Foster Street holds a menu where nothing exceeds $10. Grilled cheese, burgers and sandwiches without any fuss.
Editorially verified June 24, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Address: 701 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701
Marked by a bovine statue, Taqueria La Vaquita is one of Durham's best-value taqueria counters. Tacos at $4-5 each; al pastor and birria are the best choices.
Try: Tacos and burritos
A by-the-slice pizza counter on W Main Street at $3-4.50 per slice. Rotating styles and toppings from classic to creative; Wednesday is 50-cent wing night.
Try: Pizza by the slice
Open since 1957 and Eater-named one of America's best in 2022, Chicken Hut does weekday lunch only and sells out before mid-afternoon. Arrive before noon.
Try: Southern fried chicken
Open until 04:00 every night since 1995, Cosmic Cantina on Perry Street near Duke is Durham's definitive budget late-night. Burritos and tacos under $14.
Try: Build-your-own burritos and tacos
Ninth Street institution serving the full Durham demographic since the 1980s. Pancakes, eggs and sandwiches at honest diner prices; coffee is bottomless.
Try: Pancakes, eggs and sandwiches
Hand-pressed corn tortillas fuelling tacos and tamales at Brightleaf Square's best prices. Named Eater Carolinas Restaurant of the Year 2021.
Try: Tacos al pastor and tamales