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    Dame's Chicken & Waffles

    4.0 (2k reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 8:30 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Waitlist - Dame's Chicken & Waffles

    Live Current wait: 12 - 27 mins

    Dame's Chicken & Waffles Reservations

    Order Dame's Chicken & Waffles Takeout or Delivery

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    DAME'S CHICKEN & WAFFLES ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Reviews With Photos - Dame's Chicken & Waffles

    Vincent Y.

    Was in the area for a business meeting and decided to stop by Dame's for lunch. They have fairly quick service which worked out since I was on a time crunch. I had two cutlets of chicken on a classic waffle with maple pecan shmear and breakfast syrup and it was an amazing flavor combination. The chicken was juicy, crispy and huge and paired well with the sweetness from the waffle and maple pecan shmear. I do which the shmear had a bit of a stronger flavor as it was overpowered by the syrup, but overall great spot and would definitely come again if in the area.

    Three Drumsticks on a gingerbread waffle
    Maya R.

    The coffee sizes are INSANE, but love to see it. Very yummy options for waffle types, shmears (IYKYK), drizzles, you name it! Service is wonderful. You really feel like you're in your Uncle or Grandma's house with the warmth of the people. Was able to get a table with ease on a walk-in over the weekend. Noise level is what you would expect. A great place for a brunch group of 4-6. I'm already dreaming of a Sweet potato waffle with chocolate hazelnut/Maple pecan shmear - the combinations are endless! It goes without saying, 100% would return.

    Jeanita O.

    The restaurant is in a new location. It's easy to miss after crossing the railroad tracks. Parking is in a dirt and gravel fenced in area. I had to was my car after leaving from the restaurant. The restaurant is small. There is one bathroom for each gender. There is a separate section for Togo orders. I waited longer than expected for my food (45 minutes). I ordered two cutlets and one sweet potato waffle. The cutlets were salty and over seasoned. The waffle tasted ok, but was nothing to brag about. Staff had a flat affect and were moving like robots. I did not feel welcomed. Prices were affordable, and the restaurant was almost filled to capacity. Tables are close to each other with little elbow room.

    Ashley W.

    I got the sweet potato waffle with fried chicken surely. U chose the peach mango butter. I ordered it in Uber eats and my order was ready promptly. It was around $16. The waffle tasted a bit different than a normal waffle you can make from the hotel breakfast waffle machines. Maybe that's the sweet potato part. The chicken cutlet was good a little small for what I expected. It was seasoned well, but nothing that I would go back specifically for. I think the standout was the fruit butter spread it came with. Maybe this place was overhyped or I didn't order the right thing?

    Chicken wings, Collar Greens, Mac and cheese
    Kassim C.

    What I recommend: The chicken wings with Pete's hot sauce Dame's Chicken and Waffles is a downtown Durham classic and a great spot if you're craving some southern comfort food. The chicken wings might look a little plain, but don't let that fool you. They pack a serious punch, and pairing them with Pete's hot sauce takes them to another level. It's my go-to order every time. I came here with my brother and he couldn't stop talking about the waffles, which are just as good as everyone says. The collard greens were a miss for me and the mac and cheese could use a little more flavor, but the chicken more than makes up for it. Overall, Dame's is an awesome spot for a hearty meal and one of the best places in Durham for chicken and waffles.

    Natasha R.

    Came here for dinner to try their chicken and waffles. The place was pretty empty when we came, however, the food took a really long time to come out. To be fair, the chicken did taste really fresh, and it was delicious and perfectly fried. I got the sweet potato waffle, which I felt was a little bit, bitter, truthfully, and if I came again, I would definitely get the regular waffle. The place also smelled a little bit like cigarette smoke when we went. All in all not about experience, but probably would not go back.

    Priscilla R.

    I wanted to love it Good: ordered chicken and waffles and a cocktail. The food was just okay, not the best chicken and waffles I've had. Service: the food took a really long time! Service was extremely slow and confusing. My vegan partner had a hard time placing an order as they were weird about some of the substitutions and they ended up brining out the wrong order for that dish but didn't really do anything to change or remedy that. I didn't feel the meals were worth the price listed. They charge extra for syrup as the waffles come with butter only which was also odd, as I've never had a place charge or your serving of syrup with you waffles Ambiance: it is a nice open space with plenty of seating. Upbeat vibe with a lot of chattering.

    Orange speckled chabo
    Meiyi Y.

    The chicken was crispy and well-seasoned (a bit too salty for my personal taste). The waffle was soft and the batter had a hint of cinnamon. The orange honeycomb shmear was delicious! The sweet citrus flavor pairs well with the savory chicken and waffle. The collard greens side had a slight kick to it. The staff was very friendly. I came on a Sunday morning half an hour after they opened and it was quite empty. There is bar seating and regular tables.

    Identifying the branch .
    Saad K.

    1 Star Unacceptable Experience at Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Raleigh, NC (530 Foster St) We visited Dame's Chicken & Waffles at 530 Foster Street, Raleigh, at 10:00 AM with a friend and his 3-year-old son. From the moment we walked in, the service was indifferent at best and downright dismissive at worst. We were denied a table in the center of the restaurant without any explanation, even though there were clearly open seats. When we finally sat down, I politely asked to substitute the waffle (which I medically cannot eat) with 3 eggs instead of 2. The server sharply replied, "We don't do substitutions," with zero flexibility or care. We let it go and placed our orders--or so we thought. Over 40 minutes later, we still hadn't received any food. I went up to the server to ask what was going on, and she was completely clueless. Eventually, we realized she never even entered our order. Meanwhile, another table seated 10 minutes after us had already received their full meals. No apology, no acknowledgment, no attempt to fix it. We left and went to the food hall next door, where the experience was infinitely better--faster, friendlier, and far more professional. This was not just bad service. It was a complete failure of basic competence--made even worse because we had a small child with us. It reflects a lack of training, poor management, and a complete disregard for guests. I will never return to this location, and I strongly urge others to take their business elsewhere. A restaurant is more than just its menu--it's the people and the experience. And here, both were a total disaster.

    Orange Speckled Chabo  A cutlet, sweet potato waffle 3, some good old Mac and cheese on the side

    I couldn't wait till my plate was done to leave a review. I downloaded an app just to give it this rating! The waffles are a great size! The shmear spread actually spread really well ( !! ) and the flavor of it soaked into it amazingly! The chicken, you can tell, is homemade! delicious! The Mac and cheese was so flavorful! No offense to others but this had seasoned flavor! Didn't know that was possible (lol) I enjoyed it very much. All together I enjoyed myself and our server! His name was Zuri and the place was really relaxing. We got to see a train going by and I got to show my niece! Thank y'all for the great food and great time there!

    Chicken wings
    Mouf K.

    If you're in Durham and haven't hit up Dame's Chicken & Waffles, you're doing it wrong. This place is everything! The chicken? Straight-up amazing--crispy, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. Pair that with their fluffy waffles, and you're looking at a plate that's nothing short of magic. And don't even get me started on the schmears--they take the whole meal to another level. The vibe inside is laid-back but still buzzing, like a spot that knows it's the go-to for comfort food done right. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Dame's is the kind of spot you'll keep coming back to. Trust me, this is the real deal!

    Eleanor A.

    Really good food, the waffle was just okay and the chicken legs were stellar! The service was good, our waiter was very nice! And it was slightly chilly inside, but the people there were all social.

    The Carolina cockerel

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    3 years ago

    The best chicken and waffles I have ever had. The sides are always a good addition. I love that's black owned!

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    2 years ago

    Food was amazing. Get the vegan waffle. Even if you are not vegan. You will not be disappointed!

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    2 years ago

    THE BEST ! Food always on point & well seasoned, chicken always crispy & fresh out the oil. 10/10 highly recommend

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    Ask the Community - Dame's Chicken & Waffles

    Are the Chicken Halal?

    Hello Ahmad, Yes.. All the chicken in the Durham location is Halal. Thanks for asking!

    Is this location currently taking reservations or just doing a Yelp waitlist where you add your name? The website says they take reservations but when I click "reserve now" it just take me to the general Yelp page and I see they have a Yelp waitlist.

    That is correct, if you go to the restaurant and use the Kiosks you will go on the same yelp list. It's actually good because you can get on there before you leave your house sit in your car and they notify you to start heading to the door when its… Read more

    What kind(s) of oil is used for frying?

    Do they have gluten free waffles?

    Yes they do!

    Gluten free options?

    Yes they have plenty of gluten free options

    Are any products dairy free? (no milk, whey, lactose, casein, etc.)

    They have vegan waffles that actually taste better than the original.

    When will we be able to make reservations for the new location? It currently says there are none for every date.

    As I was waiting in line, a bunch of people came in with reservations so you should be able to. There is a long wait though

    Is the new location open yet?

    Yes, I haven’t visited to date although I hear it’s very nice. I will bust in a few weeks.

    Where are you moving too in Durham, NC? where is the new location going to be.?

    Hi Elizabeth, Our new location will be at 530 Foster Street. We hope to see you there!

    Since there's vegan waffles here, are there any other vegan options? Do they have vegan chicken?

    some of the sides are reportedly vegan, but there is not a vegan chik'n substitute.

    View All 11 Questions

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    It's a Southern thing: Kitchen and Bar

    It's a Southern thing: Kitchen and Bar

    4.0
    (722 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    I love this place for consistently tasty food and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Every visit feels…read morerelaxed and welcoming, and the service is always on point. It's one of those spots where you can walk in anytime and know you're going to have a good experience. If you're looking for recommendations, the wings are a must‑try, and pairing them with a Bloody Mary never disappoints.

    So I asked yelp to recommend a place for a birthday dinner. This was the first on the list. So…read moresince I couldn't get a reservation on my birthday to the place I originally wanted to go, we decided to come here. There is plenty of parking on the backside of the building, paid parking out front, and be careful not to park in the apartment spaces on the side...they sounded pretty serious about towing. I had made a reservation but it was probably unnecessary as it was pretty empty when we arrived (it was about 5pm on a Saturday.) The waitress brought a bottle of water to the table and took our drink order. And I know that this place is literally call it's a Southern thing but can I mention how much I dislike drinking out of mason jars? I ordered the chicken n biscuits, my husband got the country hamburger steak plate, my BiL got wings, and my SiL got the crabcakes. We also orders charred jalapeno & sweet corn hushpuppies and frickles as an appetizer. I was VERY excited about my food. Y'all...the only thing that impressed me were the Frickles. Everything else was distinctly underwhelming. I also ordered Blackberry Betta Have My Money which was not that great. My SiL ordered a espresso martini that they said didn't come from a mix but she said it tasted like it was. The bathrooms were very clean. The decor and the vibe were great. Cute even. I really enjoyed that part of it. After dropping off our food, we never saw our waitress again unless we flagged her down for drink refills. It was especially frustrating since there was automatic gratuity added. And since the place wasn't that busy, it felt like she didn't feel the need to earn her automatic tip. Overall I was disappointed in my birthday dinner. I won't be coming back here.

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    Kales Kitchen

    Kales Kitchen

    4.0
    (31 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Was excited to try a new place but beware, their hours vary by day. I arrived where their website…read moresaid they were open till 3:59am only to be told they closed at 8:30pm on a Saturday... I was also told the menu changes daily... whenever I'm on this side of town maybe I'll give them a try but I won't go out of my way to visit a place that says download Instagram to see if they're open/what they have for the day. You're a restaurant with a website wasting a domain ... at least ATTEMPT to keep that accurate! Also, to clarify: If you check sanitation scores like I do - they used to be listed as KALE'S KITCHEN but are now listed as KALES AT JOE'S DINER. They do have a good grade though!! Just something to be aware of if you check places frequently like I do.

    I traveled through Durham for business and decided to stop at Kale's Kitchen. I've been following…read morethem for a few years on TikTok, watching their growth and all the amazing-looking food they post. So without a doubt, since I was in the area, we decided to stop by and pick something up. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the staff and looked over the menu. We ordered three meals, which totaled roughly $100: fried fish with double mac & cheese (which cost extra), fried shrimp with cabbage and mac & cheese, and chicken wings with mac & cheese and baked beans. From what I'd seen on Instagram and TikTok, I knew the plates were usually packed with food, so I wasn't worried about the $30 price point. I even told my family we'd probably be able to eat off these plates for two days. When we got to the car, I was hyping up the food and told my family, "Let's take a look." But when I opened the boxes, I was highly disappointed. The fish was clearly cooked in old grease--it was overcooked and very dry. The shrimp weren't crunchy and were also overcooked, likely in the same old grease. The portions were smaller than what we expected based on what we'd seen online. Paying $100 for burnt food was very disappointing. I understand that restaurants can have an off day, but please don't serve burnt food with a smile. I would've respected being offered a replacement or at least told before it was handed to me. I genuinely go out of my way to support Black-owned businesses, especially when I travel. I love seeing us win, grow, and represent excellence in food and service. That's one of the main reasons I was so excited to visit Kale's Kitchen after following their journey for so long. I really wanted to have a great experience and continue cheering them on. Unfortunately, this visit didn't live up to the expectations or the standard I've seen them showcase online, and that was truly disappointing. I still believe in what they're doing and hope this was just an off day. I'd love to see them continue to grow and improve, because the potential and passion are definitely there.

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    Lula and Sadie’s

    Lula and Sadie’s

    3.9
    (233 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    It was my first time here. I made a reservation so we had no issue getting seated on a Sunday for…read morebrunch. They had a jazz band playing which at times got a little too loud to have conversation. Other than that, I enjoyed them. I ordered a seasonal drink and the Bacon wrapped meatloaf. My meal was excellent. The meatloaf is a bit heavy on the ketchup for the topping. However, that's how my mom made it growing up so I thoroughly enjoyed it. They have a parking lot with like 4 or 5 parks but there is a parking lot behind the shopping center that is a quick walk to the restaurant. And the service was excellent. My friend had several questions and he did his best to answer them all and offer additional information. I'm definitely coming back to try other items.

    This is my 3rd time coming to Lula and Sadie's. I absolutely love this place and their food. I gave…read moreit 5 stars on my first visit. Unfortunately, every time since it has gotten progressively worse. The food has still been good but the service, atmosphere and cleanliness almost made me leave this past visit. And it takes A LOT for me to want to leave. Sat down and my glass had lip stains all over it. Our waitress was not attentive and I didn't even have time to ask for a new glass before she left us. Took another hour for our half sandwiches and small salad for the lunch specials to come out. Gave the wrong dressing and when asked to get the correct dressing the waitress was rude. Also, had to ask for the canned beer she forgot. The food is always good here but the cleanliness and service is hurting this establishment. I would really encourage them to take away automatic gratuity. Even though I always tip and typically do 20% most restaurants that add it you can count on getting bad service. I don't know if I'll keep giving this place more chances, which is a pity because I always recommend it to friends and family.

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    Boricua Soul

    Boricua Soul

    4.5
    (242 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Catering service

    I'm from Charlotte and my friend was in the southeast visiting so we met up in Durham. ChatGPT…read moresuggested Boricua Soul as a part of our girls day. First stop. We never made it anywhere else lol! I'm so excited to write this review!! We chose it because when I reviewed the Yelp reviews they were stellar. But mostly I was super intrigued by the sweet potato cheesecake empanada and y'all it was everything I hoped it would be. It's small, you can maybe get 4 or 5 bites. The filling is sweet but not overpowering, good balance. The crust, crunchy and delicious. Came with a side of whipped cream. Drizzled in caramel sauce. I had the restraint to save it for last. We opted to split the shrimp sandwich and house made chips because we weren't too hungry and wanted to save room for the empanadas. Perfect plan. The sandwich can be ordered with a garlic, jerk or buffalo sauce. We were given a sample of the jerk to determine spicyness. Super spicy (which I loved) but my friend doesn't so we went with buffalo which wasn't spicy at all. The shrimp were a nice size, coated and seasoned well. The restaurant itself is small with about five tables but there is an abundance of outdoor seating shared with other businesses. We knew we planned to relax and catch up so we opted to eat outside. Despite the 90 degree weather, the entire area was shaded with a little wind so perfect. We got a number and our food and drinks were served to us. (Peach passion froze----yum!) Now. Boricua Soul is a great example of why I love seeking out and patroning local restaurants. The founders, Serena and Tori Fredericks, were both present, Serena managing the front, Tori managing the kitchen and both in and out of the restaurant serving people outside as well as inside. They were all over! Very welcoming. We were there for four hours and Serena's smile never left her face. She personally checked on us throughout. It felt like hanging out at your family's for the day. When we came in just a few people there, no line. Serena was at the register. I told her I came from Charlotte and she graciously gave us samples of the mac and cheese and collard greens as she described the menu. Both by the way, amazing! I don't think I've ever been able to find delicious perfectly seasoned greens with no meat. Before we knew it the line was to the door. By then I had the chance to experience her love for what she does and her heart for the community. Clean restaurant, beautiful and personable decor. Clean gender neutral private bathrooms. I took pics of the article on the wall about them, well worth the read. You too will drive miles to experience this Caribbean and Southern inspired restaurant! Im coming back and bringing people. There's so much more for me to try.

    We visited for lunch on a beautiful spring weekday. The place was hopping, both inside and out. The…read moremusic was great, the ambience was fast-casual. I love how they had a lot of drink options, including fountain drinks, and special lemonades. We got here on the late side for lunch, and found there to be several different options for ordering. You could wait in line and order with a cashier, you could do a self service kiosk, or you could order from a QR code at a table. We ended up grabbing a table and opting to do it with a QR code. Everything was very clear, and I like that they showed what was popular immediately. I opted for a Boricua Soul Bowl, which I'd sampled during a food tour a few years back- then I tried it with chicken, so today I opted for shrimp. I feel like you really should go with pork since that's the default, and a mainstay of Puerto Rican cuisine and soul food, but alas I have an aversion to pork so I can't. I was also intrigued by the jackfruit option- there's something for everyone! My husband went for a platter with pork, which he said was delicious and rich. The Mac and cheese was amazing, and the collards were to DIE FOR! They have four house made sauces, which were a very fun way to add different flavors (I doused mine in Guava!). Since I've now been, I understand that there are many different methods of ordering, but I'm not sure I understand if there's a benefit or staff preference to one over another. I think one thing I might do in the future is order online (if you're using Toast Tab anyway, might as well order in advance) and then sit outside after I arrive. It took about 30 minutes to get our food, which probably means everything is made to order and fresh (as opposed to sitting around) so that's great, but I was STARVING by the time we got our food. Will definitely be back!

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    Little Bull

    Little Bull

    4.6
    (165 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    I have been to Little Bull several times and the meal is always consistent. I come here often and…read morebring friends here all the time. First the ambiance. It's cute. Small and the patio is so cute. The only downside is the a/c inside doesn't work well and it was hot. The drinks are craft and well done. I can always count on a solid cocktail here. The food is so good and perfect for sharing. My go to dishes are the gambas (shrimp), the barbacoa is my absolute favorite, the octopus and either the crudo or ceviche. This is more than enough food for 2 people. The food and drinks are consistent. I recommend making a reservation on OpenTable ahead of time as it can be crowded on any given day. They are kind and accommodating if you don't have a reservation, but you may have to wait. This is a Durham staple for me.

    Our server was amazing and very attentive. The restaurant was cute but it felt too warm, so maybe…read moretheir AC can't keep up with the summer heat. Overall, the food was okay, not the best but not the worst. The couple we dined with ordered the Gambas a La Plancha (shrimp) and let us try some, it had a delicious sauce that was really good with the ciabatta bread! My two favorite dishes were the Gambas and the Barbacoa, overall they had the best flavor/value. NC Corn Elote ($12): decent grilled corn, but there was way too much mayo on the plate. Birria Dumplings ($17): these were good, I loved the sauce which had a good kick! Barbacoa ($19): The meat was a bit fatty/greasy, but the amount of food was well worth the price. It came with corn tortillas and other fresh toppings/sauces that cut through the fat. Campechano Sope ($16): The dish had a good spice, however, I think the octopus was overcooked.

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    It's A Southern Thing

    It's A Southern Thing

    4.2
    (81 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    I did not know this place was here. Just started a new job off of TW Alexander, and looked on yelp…read morefor nearby restaurants for lunch. It's a southern thing popped up. I almost didn't go, because I thought this was the downtown Durham restaurant, which is nice, but parking nightmare. Glad I went, though. The food was solid. I had the fired chicken sandwhich and fries the first day, a buffalo chicken wrap the second day, and the smoked chicken wings the third day, yes, 3 in a row. That has to say something, especially for me. All lunch items were pretty spot on, although I like a little more vinegar in my slaw than most. That was remedied by the texas pete on the bar. The service staff were all hands on. If the bartender was not there, the manager or a back of the house person was always checking on me. Very nice staff. As far as the ambiance itself, nice setup. Good sized bar, nice big patio, clean indoor and restrooms... all in all, I could not ding them for anything. I need to go to check out the weekend brunch or dinner menu. I am sure that I will not be disappointed, however, I have been told to get to brunch before noon, as it gets very busy, also a good thing. Cheers. :)

    We went to It's a Southern Thing on a Sunday morning around 9:30 and walked right in--no wait,…read morewhich honestly felt like a small miracle for brunch. Even better surprise: the patio was wide open and dog-friendly. Immediate bonus points. Service was great. She was friendly, attentive, and helpful with recommendations without being overbearing. I had the Shrimp & Grits, which came with plenty of large shrimp and really rich, flavorful grits. Definitely a solid choice. My date ordered the Blackstone Benedict -a sort of ham, poached eggs, and hollandaise, with breakfast potatoes and gluten-free bread. She was genuinely thrilled with it, which is saying something as she is a hollondaise stickler. By the time we were leaving, a line had started to build, so if you're planning a weekend brunch here, I'd recommend getting there on the earlier side. Parking is easy (big lot), and there's a grocery store right next door, which is surprisingly convenient. Overall, just a really easy, enjoyable brunch spot with good food, great service, and a relaxed vibe. We'll be back.

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    Dame's Chicken & Waffles - southern - Updated July 2026

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