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    Esmeralda's Cafe

    4.0 (88 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 9:00 pm

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    ESMERALDA'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids
    Good for working

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    Recommended Reviews - Esmeralda's Cafe

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    Nice sign, but the coffee didn't stay around long enough for a photo!
    Smythe R.

    Located in a strip mall near a mattress store and an ABC store, this place isn't in your typical location conducive to good foot traffic. But it's always busy. I've only been once since they relocated from the Mall, so on a rainy Spring Friday I came in for a late lunch. I was one of the few customers with native English, I think, which didn't bother me. Groups of workers having coffee and food, catching up on the news from ViX with Spanish subtitles. Very quiet for what it was! The menu is very nicely laid out with a huge selection, ranging from breakfast to full dinner plates. Veggie options are many. They have a small bar in the front with a few dozen bottles, but I doubt if anyone here could shake up a "Sex on the Beach!" The staff was busy and efficient, easily switching between Spanish and English depending on the customer's needs. I ordered the Esmeralda Burger, which is a beef burger with bacon, avocado, and a fried egg. I could barely finish it all,

    Empanadas, Baleadas de Carne Asada, Tilapia Con Camarones Only Waffle
    Joselyn F.

    The food was served in a timely manner and was very tasty. I was surprised by the size of the dishes, like this delicious fried fish with slices. We also ordered two baliadas de carne azada, but for some reason one had egg and the other didn't. I don't know if it was a mistake, but I liked it better without egg. The empanadas (beef) were crispy and delicious. The server was very friendly despite the fact that she was serving about four tables alone, simultaneously bringing out food, drinks, and taking them to the register for checkout. The place was very nice and has a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

    Dining room
    Spencer L.

    Had a great experience here when I stopped in for a breakfast burrito. The customer service was excellent. Although I got the burrito, there were many items that looked really good. My burrito was hot, tested fresh and was delicious! The ambiance was cool. The price was extremely reasonable for what you got. There is ample parking as it's in a shopping center. I would recommend stopping by this place on your way in or out of a cool outing like the Duke Homestead nearby. (Feel free to check out my review of that place as well!)

    Penne A La Vodka Pasta
    Roxana R.

    La comida es realmente deliciosa, el café es buenísimo y la atención es muy buena Lo recomiendo muchísimo

    Chicken quesadilla
    Liz M.

    Think a Latin Denny's. When you enter take a seat, if a table is available. The waitress will arrive with menus and place a number stand on your table. The waitress was polite but a little hurried. You will hear Latin music playing and occasionally someone will sing along. There is a mixture of tables and booths. The bathrooms were unavailable during our entire meal. I believe they were being cleaned. I ordered the omelette with potatoes and toast. The other order was a chicken quesadilla. Drinks were gourmet tea and americano coffee. The meal was fine. I enjoyed the omelette. The potatoes were fork tender (which is good). I wouldn't classify the burrito as authentic, but it was fine. Not terrible, not great, fine. And that's perfectly ok. We didn't care for the tea - not quite sure what that flavor profile was. When we asked the waitress she stated it consists of many flavors "peach, mango.." Maybe that was an off batch. The toast had an artificial taste. Like it was basted in oil. I don't feel the need to rush back, but I'd eat here again. Would recommend 3.2 (Latin Casual)

    Huevos rancheros
    Craig L.

    Always excellent, the huevos rancheros is on point. The coffee and service are always great as well. This is our go to Sunday spot.

    Cappuccino
    Vy N.

    Great, authentic place for Honduran breakfast like baleadas and desayuno platters. When you come in, it's pretty busy so you would sit yourself and have to flag someone down to get your order. Once you order, the food is fresh, hot and ready to be devoured. I got the desayuno plate with cappuccino. It was tasty and when I asked for hot sauce, they definitely delivered because it packed quite the heat. It is pretty authentic as 90% of the patrons are Spanish speakers but the servers are bilingual. I should give their American breakfast and other entrees a try but can't go wrong with the Latin-American food options.

    Cappuccino
    Kat C.

    My favorite Sunday morning tradition! Service is always fast, food is always amazing, cappuccino con azúcar is the best coffee treat you can get on this side of Durham. The baleada sencilla never fails to satisfy, ask for the habanero hot sauce!

    Cops are *always* here! Maybe that's good?

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Always hot fresh and tasty! Been a favorite for years since hey were in Northgate back k in 2019! Nice people fun atmosphere!

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Love it!!! Especially the Catracho breakfast. Super fast, great service, delicious food.

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Convenient location for after school nosh. Nice people, tasty menu. I ordered for take out. I'd do it again.

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    5 years ago

    Excellent Hispanic breakfast. Great value and quality food. Coffee freshly ground each cup from beans.

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

    We LOVE this place! Food is terrific. Best breakfast in Durm! We have now become 'regulars.'

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Horrible service! Charge you for coffee refills but dont tell you until you get the bill! Con artist unbelievable!

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    5 years ago

    The coffee at this place is outstanding. Breakfast was great with lots of vegetables.

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    4 years ago

    Ordered a shrimp Alfredo. It cost me $15 and only came with four shrimp and a plate full of pasta smh

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    Page 2 of 3

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    Omie’s Coffee Shop and Roastery - Banana pudding shortie - lifewithhanny

    Omie’s Coffee Shop and Roastery

    4.6(54 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $

    Omie's is a small hidden gem in Durham. This place has the best truly espresso/coffee forward…read moredrinks in the triangle. You can tell the quality of the drink and beans Omie's is high quality as soon as you taste it. I absolutely loved their fun and creative seasonal menu. I ordered the pumpkin pie brown butter latte, and it was so tasty. Normally, I have to ask coffee shops to reduce the sugar, but this drink was perfectly balanced. In addition, Omie's sells baked goods to complement your drink. There was a selection of tasty treats to pick from. One of my friends got a HUGE cookie, which looked absolutely delicious. As a fair heads up, parking and inside seating areas are limited. However, Omie's has done the most to maximize the space to make it a cozy place to sit. Pro tip- there is a little more seating to the left of the bathrooms, and there are several comfy spots interspersed throughout. Come for the good coffee, good vibes, and lovely service staff. I definitely know that I will be back!

    Women-owned neighborhood coffee shop with a cozy, setup. Parking is very limited. The place itself…read moreis small, but there's an extended seating area next to a small grocery store where you can enjoy your drink. There was only one barista working, so there was a bit of a wait, but she was kind and acknowledged me while I waited. I ordered a flat white--it was well made with a distinct nutty flavor.

    Photos
    Omie’s Coffee Shop and Roastery - Inside

    Inside

    Omie’s Coffee Shop and Roastery - Green Beans - Before roasting

    Green Beans - Before roasting

    Omie’s Coffee Shop and Roastery - Outside

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    Outside

    Sprout Cafe - Herbivore

    Sprout Cafe

    4.2(5 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    TL DR: A good choice for a quick service meal if you don't want to leave the Museum of Life and…read moreScience. Outside of the main building and next to the butterfly house and train depot on the museum campus you'll find this little cafe. Several types of wraps and salads are available as well as fountain drinks and treats. Bathrooms (with changing stations) are next to the cafe. However if you need to use the changing stations and can wait I would suggest the main building second floor for the large private family bathrooms. Don't expect anything exotic at the cafe but what is here is good and portions that will fill you up so you can enjoy the rest of your day at the museum. I used to consider it a bit over priced a few years ago until the rest of the world became over priced so now this is just normal priced. If there's no seating at the cafe and it's nice out there are picnic tables a bit further down to the right.

    Sprout Cafe is the convenient and fantastic cafe on site at the Museum of Life and Science. They…read moresell drinks and ice cream if you need a refreshment, but they also sell full meals, including kids meals, that are delicious. The barbecue plate is very good. So are all the sandwiches and paninis we've tried. The sides are delicious as well, from healthy options like fruit salad and green beans to traditional fries. Indoor seating is closed at the moment, but there is a lot of outdoor seating at the front and side of the cafe. If those areas are full, there are picnic tables close by at the start of the Dino Trail.

    Photos
    Sprout Cafe - Entrance

    Entrance

    Sprout Cafe
    Sprout Cafe

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    Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Bacon egg and cheese

    Aaktun Coffee & Bar

    4.5(180 reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    If I could give this place 100 stars, I would! From the…read moreoutside, you would never guess what awaits inside. It looks like a small neighborhood spot, but the moment you walk through the doors, you're immediately welcomed by a charming bakery counter filled with fresh pastries, coffee, and sandwiches. Then, as you make your way to the restaurant in the back, the entire experience transforms into something truly special. The ambiance is absolutely stunning--warm, inviting, and thoughtfully designed. I honestly spent half the meal just taking it all in because every detail was beautiful. Now, let's talk about the food... phenomenal doesn't even begin to describe it. Everything was incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. Our brunch came out surprisingly fast without sacrificing quality, and every bite was bursting with flavor. The service was equally impressive. Everyone was welcoming, attentive, and genuinely seemed to enjoy making sure guests had a great experience. You could tell there was pride in both the food and the hospitality. If you're anywhere near Durham, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. Whether you're stopping in for coffee and a pastry, grabbing a sandwich, or sitting down for brunch, you won't be disappointed. I'll definitely be back, and this has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in the area. Five stars isn't enough--this place deserves 100.

    I have frequently gone here as it's my favorite place to grab curry mussels. With that being said I…read morecame here today to celebrate my girls birthday and it was one to remember for all the wrong reasons. 3/4 of us ordered the same exact meal and I never received my dish. By the time I was able to waive down the waiter , the table was finished eating and they brought out my meal 25-30 min after the fact. I was hopeful that management would own the mistake, but when my bill came nothing was comped. I had to raise my concern with a waitress and she got a manager. Frankly I am disappointed all around by the experience. "Worse birthday ever" was stated a few times by the birthday girl so idk if I'll be coming back. If I'm going to spend $200 on a meal I at least want to eat.

    Photos
    Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Iced autumn blaze latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

    Iced autumn blaze latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

    Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Iced dulce de leche latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

    Iced dulce de leche latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

    Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Jerk chicken

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    Jerk chicken

    Esmeralda's Cafe - cafes - Updated September 2026

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