The Blue Note Grill

4.0 (270 reviews)

ModerateAmerican, Barbeque, Music Venues

Closed • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

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The Blue Note Grill - a plate of ribs - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The Blue Note Grill - Halloween decorations - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The Blue Note Grill - Brunswick Stew with hush puppies - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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The Blue Note Grill - Bar from the main floor. - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Menu photo 8 The Blue Note Grill Durham, NC

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THE BLUE NOTE GRILL ATMOSPHERE

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Inside

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Outside

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Live music

Very loud

Casual

Dogs allowed

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Reverend Peyton and his Big Damn Band!!! I cannot believe they played such a small venue!!

Trisha L.

It's super weird attending a concert seated at a dinner table. We were happy that a band we really like played there but it was so strange sitting through the music especially in such tight quarters. Definitely don't order their brisket. IDK what that was but it was not any brisket that this Oklahoma girl had ever experienced. My husband loved their burger though. I tried to order an appetizer, they said they were out of it. I think the bar needs at least one more bartender. I went to order a drink and the bartender never acknowledged me. She was super focused on making drink orders that were brought in by the servers. I did not know we were supposed to order a drink from a server because I was there for a long time before I saw a server. Once I realized I had to order a drink through a server I was able to order a drink and it came in a decent amount of time. I tried to order a beer, they said they were out of it. Really enjoyed their Old Fashioned. I'd go back if a band I really love came through.

Laura G.

It was our first time here and we had a fabulous time. Waitress was amazing, beer on tap ice cold and wings perfectly cooked and yummy. It was a shag St. Patrick's Day party and it was so fun. We will definitely return.

Maxim C.

Good dive bar feel. Seems to always have live music. I would come back with a group of guy friends again. I'm currently here on a Friday night at 6:30 and there's not many people but maybe later in the night when the music starts at 7:30 It gets more lively.

Natalie Y.

a great spot for a bbq dinner! they had a live folk band playing when we went and it was really cute and wholesome. people got up and danced too!! the food was yummy and the vibes were vibing~ the broccoli side was unironically my favorite. they only offered it since they ran out of green beans. but it was buttered perfectly and not overcooked! the hush puppies were also delish. it was my first time trying it and I was very pleasantly surprised :)

Blanchfield K.

Food was fine, sides acceptable, service quick. Overall average but not exciting, a fair three-star review.

Ashlee M.

** Long Post Alert** As a Durham native, this was my first time to the Blue Note Grill. I have always seen it so busy and thought that I would try a local restaurant with my family. Well last Wednesday, I see that all of the hype must be for the open mics and live music, because it sure can't be about the food. In all honesty this was the saddest dinner I have had in a very long time. Because we did not want to attend open mic we sat in the dinning room which was great, but our table was dirty. We ended up ordering the cheesesteak egg rolls (3/5) and deviled eggs (3/5) for appetizers. The eggs were okay, however it was disappointing that there was no cheesesteak in the egg rolls, but instead chunky hamburger meat. As an entree we ordered shrimp po boy (2/5), shrimp basket (2/5), and I the pulled chicken plate with baked beans and mac & cheese. It took about 15 minutes for the food to come out and I was disappointed. My pulled chicken did not look like the pictures or pulled chicken. Instead it was chicken rib meat. After our waitress explained they had mad changes recently, I sent it back and got the pulled pork bbq sandwich instead. The shrimp on the po boy and in the basket barely had flavor. Not to mention the breading kept falling off the shrimp. For this to be a bbq joint my pulled pork didn't taste like it was made with love. It barely had any smoke flavor, it was a little on the dry side and my cole slaw was heavy on the celery seed. The cole slaw in the shrimp basket on the other hand was not edible at all. We won't even talk about the hushpuppies. The only thing we enjoyed was the french fries. The quality of the food needs to be way better.

Karen C.

For lunch, we went in search of BBQ and found @bluenotedurhsm on @yelp. We were sad we could not go back for live music, but the BBQ was outstanding! Our server was super sweet and chatted with us about the different dishes. We ordered: Pimento Cheese Dip - came out hot and served with tortillas Half Rack BBQ Ribs with Cole Slaw and hush puppies - meat fell off the bone, I would skip the hush puppies next time Rib Sandwich on a brioche bun and Mac & Cheese - all delicious, especially with the vinegar based bbq sauce added!

Inside. Check-in counter and daily events blackboard. Bar and dining/music room to left, "Rib Room" to right. They have two patios too.

Daniel B.

We enjoyed our time at The Blue Note Grill in downtown Durham. I think the food is three stars (okay), but the live music, laid-back atmosphere, and friendliness of both the staff and the patrons bumps this business up to four stars (good) for me. Barbecue, ribs, and music succinctly sums this place up. We ended up here because we were looking for a barbecue restaurant in Durham that was open for dinner on a Wednesday night after 8:00pm. There weren't many options. We didn't know about the live music aspect of The Blue Note Grill until we arrived. This place is popular. We showed up and checked in around 6:45pm. They don't take reservations. We were told the wait would be about 30 minutes and I was given a pager. The estimated wait time was pretty much spot-on as we were seated around 7:15pm. On a Wednesday night, we were told the main indoor dining room and bar - the one with the stage and live music - was full. If we wanted to sit in there, there would be a $5 cover charge per person. Our other options were the fully-enclosed patio and the open-air patio. I asked if I could see all three options before making a decision and one of the staff obliged. I ended up choosing the open-air patio for our small group of three because: (1) We wanted to catch up and the music was too loud inside. Sitting inside is for those who primarily want to enjoy the music. (2) The enclosed patio was actually warmer and stuffier than the open-air patio. We ended up liking the open-air patio, even though we had to deal with flies and mosquito bites, because we could hear each other easily and still enjoy the live music coming from the inside. The patio was decorated with plants and string lights. It had picnic tables, most of which were covered by umbrellas. We got the only table that was under a canopy. By the way, I also noticed another indoor dining room called the "Rib Room." It's to your right upon entering. There was no one in there and it appeared to be closed. Maybe they didn't have enough staff to open that room. The night of our visit, it was "Brett's Open Mic," 7-10pm. "Brett" being Brett Chambers, who's been doing Open Mics since September 1996. Go to https://www.thebluenotegrill.com/events to see all upcoming events. According to The Blue Note Grill's website, they've been around since 2010 and moved to their current location at 709 Washington St in June 2015. They have live music nightly, Tuesday-Saturday. They're closed Sunday and Monday. The business is located on the northern edges of Durham's Central Park and Warehouse District neighborhoods. The building is old. Free parking is located next to and behind the building by an old wooden train trestle bridge and some defunct oil tanks. I'm not sure what was here before. Be careful pulling into and out of the parking lot because the ramp from the street was very steep. Sitting on the patio, we heard many cars hit and scrape the curb/driveway. The ramp needs to be redone/regraded. Along with barbecue, The Blue Note Grill serves burgers, sandwiches, chili, Brunswick stew, wings, barbecue/Southern sides, appetizers like crispy pickle fries and deviled eggs, and desserts like banana pudding and chocolate lava cake. Here's what we got: * Redneck Cheese Fries ($9.99) with Pickled Jalapenos (+$1.00) - French fries smothered with melted housemade pimento cheese, served with ranch dressing * Alaska Wild Wings ($9.99) - eight fried pollock bites with sweet red chili sauce and tartar sauce * Baby Back Ribs Full Rack ($31.99) with hush puppies, fried okra, and housemade coleslaw * Baby Back Ribs Half Rack ($19.99) with hush puppies, substitute salad (+$2.00), and fried okra * Pulled Pork BBQ Plate ($13.99) with hush puppies, collards, and green beans sauteed in bacon and onions Overall, I thought the food was fine. Nothing stood out as either great or bad. My wife enjoyed the Redneck Cheese Fries more than I did. The ranch dressing was a nice touch. I liked the Alaska Wild Wings. They were crispy and boneless. They also came with celery and carrot sticks. The Baby Back Ribs were a bit too tough and chewy. However, the portion size was generous. The Pulled Pork was OK. In general, I think it and the sides lacked a bit of seasoning and flavor. The salad was fresh and came with onion, cheese, tomatoes, and carrots. The fried okra was yummy. The condiment basket included two kinds of barbecue sauces, Eastern NC (thinner, more vinegary) and Western NC (thicker, sweeter). Our server Kai S was great. He was funny and did a nice job. The other staff was great as well, including the hostess/manager. Despite a busy night, all of our food came out fast. There was a scan-QR-code-to-pay option on the receipt. I usually prefer this over using my physical card, but The Blue Note Grill uses Heartland Payment Systems who makes you download/install their app, sign up, and then pay. I didn't have time for that and paid with card instead. From a guest experience, Toast is better.

Jean S.

A Durham treasure! I've been to the Blue Note Grill over the years and the service and food are always excellent. Portions are generous. Live music in the evenings makes for an enjoyable night out. Even if you don't dance, it's fun seeing other people breaking a move and having a good time!

Adam B.

After a 3.5 hour drive from Virginia, I met my family at the Blue Note for some live music. I got the last seat at the end of the bar and it took literally ten minutes to get any bar service. I know it was a music night and the bat staff was busy, but it would've been nice to hear from the staff that they would be right with me and they were sorry for the wait. I did get a beer and a pulled chicken platter. the meat game in one of those small paper trays. It was pretty good flavor, very mild smoke. I needed some of their sauce for more flavor. Pretty good tomato based sauce, I'm not too much into the Carolina vinegar.

Jenn P.

Blue Note was such a good lunch spot; I'm so glad we decided to wander from the center of the city to try it. I am no stranger to North Carolina barbecue, and it's always great being back down south because the BBQ in NY is average at best and unrecognizable at worst. The ribs at this place are out of this world. Fall-off-the-bone. Some of the best ribs we've had in a REALLY long time. I loved the Mac n cheese to help break up all the meat, and the little personal-sized bread pudding dessert was so cute and delicious. Their hush puppies were so good too - very flavorful, no sauce needed! The wings were just alright. Nothing wrong with them, but nothing to write home about, either. I'd skip these and get more ribs next time. Service was great- our waitress was really nice and helpful with her suggestions. If I lived in the area, this would, without a doubt, be part of my regular rotation.

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James W.

11 years ago

WOW!! We live in Northern Virginia but wanted a local place to have some good food before we hit the road. Little did we know we would hit the jackpot!! The barbecue is amazing and right on point! The ribs are so smoky and fall right off the bone!! What more could you ask for? You'll be sorry you did not visit this place!! read more

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Marc L.

Elite 26

1364

380

125

11 years ago

The Blue Note Grill's new home is definitely wonderful, and just like in their old location, they have fantastic music.....You are definitely in for a treat at this new location conveniently located near the heart of Downtown....You will definitely enjoy their food and they have a great staff.... read more

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Bonita G.

7 years ago

I ordered dinner with dessert delivery. The bread pudding was so small, they were served in specimen cups. I was shocked considering the price. I've had larger samples at Costco. My dinner was good but I wouldn't order dessert! read more

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Edmundo R.

9 years ago

Good Menu and good food, with all kinds of bears/spirits. Highly recommended, we will be back! read more

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Joe F.

10 years ago

Stopped in for a quick lunch, service was wonderful, quick and knew the menu. I got a pulled Chicken sandwich basket, my brother had a pork basket. Mine came with 1 side, his with 2. Both were moist and extremely flavorful. My sides were green beans w bacon and onions and mac and cheese. Both sides had flavors that were great, if a bit softer than I prefer. A side salad was cold, firm and very well presented. read more

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Alisha O.

11 years ago

Great location for live blues music. Ribs were "fall off the bone" but the sides we just ok. Focus is really on blues and beer. A good hangout spot. And you can dance if your feel so inclined as well. P.S. There is a cover charge to get in BTW... $8 read more

The Blue Note Grill - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Mahogany P.

5 years ago

The music was amazing, the service was perfect and the food was on time! The space was warm and inviting. It felt like home, somewhere you come for the service and entertainment. Elizabeth was our server and she attended to all our questions and needs while navigating a large number of tables. The host Jackie was friendly and was the reason we waited to be seated. I must say it was worth the wait. read more

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Amanda E.

8 years ago

Grest place to go on a weekend for lunch! Yhe wings eete hige and they are accommodating got different dirts

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Joy B.

Elite 18

108

663

10 years ago

My husband and I shared the combo plate, which normally is enough food for the two of us. This time it was a little on the small side. The pulled pork was really good, but the chicken had a little too much sauce. We got the sweet potato waffle fries, highly recommend. Crispy and sweet. The collars were perfect not a lot of seasoning and the hush puppies were perfect. Our server told us the cinnamon butter was good and she was totally right. We loved the communal tables and look forward to seeing a show here sometime. read more

The Blue Note Grill - Combo plate pulled pork, chicken, collars, hush puppies, cinnamon butter and sweet potato fries. - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Eddie B.

113

7 years ago

Food decent but service was incredibly slow and wait staff was very overwhelmed. Probably won't be back. read more

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Danielle J.

Elite 19

276

134

257

8 years ago

Ehhh...this is a tough review to write because everyone here was so friendly and welcoming! I was invited to Blue Note Grill last week for dinner. I'd never been, so I was looking forward to it. Plus I'd been on the hunt for the Triangle's best smoked wings, and they had them on the menu so I was super excited. *Birdman hand rub* Parking was ample, I snagged a spot on the street right at the front door. Inside there's a counter where it appears you can buy tickets to shows, and to the left is the dining area, bar, and a performance stage. The bar has several round high tops, and the lower dining area is separated into long rows, almost like communal tables. The band that night was bluegrass and I really enjoyed them although I'm generally not a bluegrass fan. Our waitress was also very pleasant. The vibe is chill and casual, grab a plate and enjoy the music. Unfortunately, the food left a lot to be desired. I had smoked wings and a side of green beans. The skin on the wings was good but the meat itself had little flavor. The green beans were seasoned, but they still just tasted...canned. My companion ordered the rib plate with Mac and cheese and collards, and he wasn't pleased with any of it. He said the collards were too vinegar-y, and the mac was a bit more soft and runny than he prefers. (I'm personally used to baked mac-n-cheese that has some heft to it.) The ribs were tender but he felt like they were overly sauced and he didn't like the taste of the sauce. I'm a believer that good meat needs no sauce. He said the ribs themselves didn't have much flavor either. *insert sad, disappointed face* I'd maybe go back on a night they had a different genre of music to have a drink at the bar...but I probably won't be ordering from the food menu. read more

The Blue Note Grill - Rib platter with hushpuppies, mac n cheese, and collards - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The Blue Note Grill - Smoked wings and green beans - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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K N.

6 years ago

We had a blast here listening to the live music and enjoyed the delicious BBQ! Highly recommend this place!

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Kyle S.

7 years ago

The best ribs I have ever had. They were moist and fell right off the bone. The sauce had just the right amount of sweetness to it. The sides were magnificent as well. Next time I visit Durham, I will definitely be returning! read more

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Scott W.

11 years ago

Amazing! I'm a Burger Freak, I love finding the best Burgers out there. I'm fortunate to live in Durham, where there are many incredible local choices. Well now I've found the Blue Note Grill, and another great Burger. It is impossible to choose the best. I had the "Cow Jumped Over The Moon" Burger with housemade bacon onion jam, roasted Garlic aioli, and Chapel Hill Creamery's Carolina Moon Cheese, and it was Amazing. Service Awesome. Thank You Chef Sharon for posting about the wicked awesome place you cook at. read more

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Angee R.

122

8 years ago

Great music : Amazing food : Dancing : anddddd no cover charge?!!!! This is the best place on earth! My go to spot for when I wanna let loose and have fun for cheap. I can stay here all night meet ppl and enjoy myself! read more

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Bubbah M.

10 years ago

Love this place, My wife and I always dine here at least twice a month. Staff is ALWAYS polite and friendly!

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Ruby M.

7 years ago

Best ribs around! You must try the Bread Pudding...you will not leave disappointed! I will surely be back. Highly recommend.

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Louise R.

10 years ago

Fun place to go for local band with dance area. Cocktail excellent had the blue note cosmo. Food is American grill good enough. read more

The Blue Note Grill - Excellent blue note cosmo! - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The Blue Note Grill - Ribs for two - good coleslaw. - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Lauren S.

11 years ago

Glad I stopped here for lunch. Delicious barbecue, I went with the combo platter to try a few things. Got ribs, pulled chicken, mac & cheese, and green beans. Ribs were falling off the bone like they should and everything was well seasoned and flavorful. Would recommend. read more

The Blue Note Grill - Rib and pulled chicken combo - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Ratheesh R.

11 years ago

Nice place. Good food and service. I tried 1/2 rack of ribs which was soft/ tender and juicy..with hummingbird draft beer. read more

The Blue Note Grill - Ribs with coleslaw - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Shan G.

141

8 years ago

Decided to give it a try on my way home from work. Ordered take out. Purchased the chipotle bean burger with fried okra. My daughter loved them both. I, on the other hand, purchased the pulled pork plate with dirty rice and mac and cheese. Meal came with 3 hush puppies which were the best part of the meal. The BBQ was mediocre at best. Not very flavorful. Had to drown it in sauce to make it edible. The dirty rice was ok. Nothing spectacular. The mac and cheese was pure awful. Dry, pasty, tasteless. I won't be rushing back but if I were to return I'll stick to a burger. There are MUCH better BBQ options available in Durham starting with The Pitt, Bullocks, Johnson's Family BBQ and Back Yard BBQ Pit. The live music was not my cup of tea and entirely too loud. One cannot hear them self think. Call in orders for carry out should be taken in a different place where the music doesn't interfere with employee's ability to hear. Had to shout and repeat my order which was annoying. read more

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Natalia S.

Elite 21

132

241

8 years ago

Came to Blue Note Grill for the first time on a late Friday night. Definitely should've made reservations because it was packed! Very gratefully, the crew found a table for myself and my partner. The band started playing a little after 9 and they were great! We shared the fried avocado, which was surprisingly delish. Everything that was fried at BNG was fresh and not greasy, which is a crucial aspect of bbq. I had the cow jumped over the moon burger and dang that was so good! Really unexpected-love the local cheese from Chapel Hill Creamery. The side of mac and cheese was a little meh-nothing bad but it was just okay. My partner had a combo plate and the meats were great! The side of dirty rice was great and beans were a little sweet. That's sort of how the whole meal was-pretty balanced between great and okay. Overall though we had a wonderful time and I'd definitely go back! read more

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Stephanie H.

5 years ago

The food and atmosphere was great. We were able to sit outside and enjoy music. Our waitress was very bubbly and fun.

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Jane M.

120

8 years ago

Delicious food (ribs, pulled pork, collards, even the hush puppies are unusually tasty!! And oh the bread pudding.....!) But more than that, patio is a pleasant place to sit outside, and fun things to keep the kids occupied while we wait! read more

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Morgan C.

Elite 19

102

8 years ago

I went to The Blue Note for a charity event, a fundraiser for Susan G. Komen. The fact that the owners gave their bar and restaurant over to this group for the afternoon, was awesome. I give them 5 stars just for loving on their community. Thank you for that. The atmosphere felt very bar/small-live-music-club like, except the bathrooms were very clean. Thanks for that too. I ad one mixed drink from the bar, which was a little off. I wasn't sure if the coke portion of my drink (a Jameson and Coke) was not aerated or not, but something was off there. For dinner I had their Catfish Poboy, which was very good. The catfish was piping hot and perfectly cooked, fresh juicy tomatoes, crispy lettuce and a really tasty aioli. Super fresh tasting. The sweet potato fries were clearly frozen, which is fine cause they're still yummy. They are served with Cinnamon-Sugar butter, which is not my preference. I don't want more sweet on top of already sweet potatoes. A savory aioli with a little zip would've made my palate happy! I'll ask for that next time as I like that whole sweet-and-salty thing. Overall, great food, atmosphere, attentive staff and big-hearted owners. Liked it! read more

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Jeremy W.

Elite 18

184

101

8 years ago

Blue Note Grill has some solid food, but is a great little music venue. I had the ribs and was very happy with them, but it's worth looking into when a band is playing. read more

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Mary C.

6 years ago

Love this place! Food is always awesome, bands are great and a wonderful staff! The owners are good people!

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Carlos G.

8 years ago

Amazing food with great atmosphere for a Friday highly recommend going and enjoy the first experience, it was my first time going and I will definitely be going back!!! read more

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Todd N.

8 years ago

Get the Pimento Cheese Bacon Burger! Excellent! The Cole Slaw is fantastic! Really enjoyed the atmosphere as well. Great menu with different options to choose from but we loved the Pimento Cheese Bacon Burger and the Barbeque choices! Outstanding service as well! read more

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Erin K.

Elite 19

220

9 years ago

Stumbled upon this gem while in Durham. Their food was wonderful (go for the ribs and pulled meats), very nice service and management and we came when the gravy boys were performing. They were fantastic blue grass and my husband and I had fun and felt like a local. Highly recommend this place if you're in Durham. read more

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Charli H.

Elite 21

117

167

101

9 years ago

Before living in North Carolina, I may have given this place a 4-star. But, considering the BB-Q in this state - I found my meal to be rather disappointing (but not bad). I feel like this place had all the key components for appealing to tourists. I went for lunch on a Thursday afternoon with a friend and we sat on the patio. I ordered the BB-Q platter with pork and chicken, she ordered the pork and ribs, and we split a 'redneck cheese fries'. First things first- the fries were huge and delish! Unfortunately the chicken was not good. And The pork lacked the tang and vinegar-pucker that NC has mastered so beautifully. I also had green beans that lacked flavor as well. My friend said her ribs were great - and she also got a side of their sweet potato fries with a cinnamon butter that were very good! This place has live music and a pretty nice looking bar -- so I will probably go back to hear some music soon, and I will try the food again and update. The staff was really friendly and the place looked clean. But so far, due to the food -- my first experience was a bummer. read more

The Blue Note Grill - Pork and Chicken with green beans and coleslaw. - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The Blue Note Grill - Red neck cheese fries...yummy! - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Tracy H.

Elite 21

154

9 years ago

Received a gift card for this place, hopefully I'll never get another. The service wasn't that great and neither was the food. The hostess was a bit rude, which turned me off even before I ordered. I was disappointed by the entire experience, won't be back. read more

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Zumba C.

136

10 years ago

Black bean veggie burger was excellent with sweet potato fries. The bread pudding was so delicious, great service also! read more

The Blue Note Grill - Live music tonight with The Elllerbe Creek Band! - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Judy S.

9 years ago

Truly enjoyed our evening here last night! My husband had the ribs which were delicious. They had a slightly different flavor which took them to another level of goodness. I had the "cow jumped over the moon" burger, and the flavor reminded me of French onion soup. Very tasty! Although there were individual tables along the side, we sat at the tables that were set up family style. I surprisingly enjoyed sitting with the other people. It was nice having snippets of conversations with the other people sitting next to us, and at no time did we feel intruded upon. It was a different atmosphere for us, and I truly enjoyed every minute of it! The entertainment was Backbeat which played Beatles music as well as other 60's music. They were really good. In addition to this, a woman was having her birthday party and that added to the fun! They even shared her birthday cake with everyone...it was delicious! All in all it was a very fun night. Will definitely give it another visit! read more

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David D.

8 years ago

My wife and I visited here one night and the food was delicious. The place was packed, Im guessing they have live bands there often. We will definitely be returning again. read more

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Lillian W.

104

8 years ago

The Blue Note Grill did NOT disappoint!!! We all got ribs & pulled pork combos so we had six different sides. The collards were on point, the baked Mac & cheese tasty, great Brunswick stew, the slaw, okra and baked beans were good as well! Service was excellent and the food was served quickly. The ribs fell off the bone & the pulled pork was tasty too. We will definitely be back and hope to enjoy the music as well next time! read more

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Nicole M.

Elite 17

166

163

10 years ago

The best BBQ in Durham, full stop. The Pit on Geer St. is often suggested to out-of-towners, but if you want really delicious BBQ, friendly and unassuming service, and live music (or even if you don't, endure it for the food), Blue Note is the place. I generally get the pulled pork with hushpuppies, fried okra, and mac 'n cheese, but I've tried other items, too. The pulled pork is just too succulent to resist. The bar is fine. The last two times I've been, they were out of the Weeping Willow Wit. Last time, though, I tried the Bull City Cider they had on tap and discovered a cider that's not overly sweet, like most. The enormous portions make it hard to leave room for dessert, but try. The bread pudding is worth having to unbutton your jeans on the way home. read more

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Accordion T.

6 years ago

These people have no idea how to run a restaurant even with outdoor seating. Hostess has no idea what is going on, seems unable to "find my manager", blames "covid", and therefore highly misrepresents wait times. With live music outdoors, management makes no effort to keep tables moving, so most people squatted for hours even without buying drinks. Hence, many people walked away from entering, having no patience for such chicanery. read more

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James C.

118

8 years ago

For me, this place has the best ribs in Durham. My bias is that I'm not a fan of Carolina style bbq and prefer sweet bbq sauces. This place has amazing sauce and ridiculously tender ribs. Their nachos are a great appetizer, and their hush puppies rock. I enjoy their sides, but feel that The Pit wins for best sides at a barbecue restaurant. Regardless, being the king of ribs is more important than slightly less tasty sides. Thank you for what you bring to Durham and my palate. read more

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Eddie S.

Elite 22

143

603

128

9 years ago

The music was nice (jazzy kinda) and the food was okay. We ordered a smathering of appetizers for our large group and some were good and some just okay. For a drink I ordered the smokey Martini and OMG, I thought I had just taken a drag off of a tailpipe. As a lover of all things liquor, I actually sent the drink back after one sip. Turpentine tastes better than that drink. The next drink was a Sangria and it was much better as it alleviated the tailpipe taste from my tongue. I ordered the veggie burger and it was okay. Nothing spectacular but for a BBQ place, I give them props. read more

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Page 5 of 7

709 Washington St
Durham, NC 27701
Directions
(919) 401-1979
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.thebluenotegrill.com

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Hours

What time does The Blue Note Grill open?

The Blue Note Grill opens at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Thursday.The Blue Note Grill opens at 12:00 PM on Sunday.

What time does The Blue Note Grill close?

The Blue Note Grill is closed on Monday.The Blue Note Grill closes at 10:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.The Blue Note Grill closes at 9:00 PM on Thursday.The Blue Note Grill closes at 7:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon ClosedTue-Wed, Fri-Sat 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMThu 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMSun 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Payment methods

Does The Blue Note Grill take Bitcoin?

No, The Blue Note Grill does not take Bitcoin.

Does The Blue Note Grill take credit cards?

Yes, The Blue Note Grill takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does The Blue Note Grill have catering options?

Yes, The Blue Note Grill does have catering options.

Does The Blue Note Grill have a drive thru?

No, The Blue Note Grill does not have a drive thru.

Does The Blue Note Grill have a happy hour?

No, The Blue Note Grill does not have a happy hour.

Does The Blue Note Grill serve alcohol?

Yes, The Blue Note Grill serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does The Blue Note Grill allow dogs?

Yes, The Blue Note Grill allows dogs.

Does The Blue Note Grill have TVs?

Yes, The Blue Note Grill has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The Blue Note Grill have bike parking?

Yes, The Blue Note Grill has bike parking.

Does The Blue Note Grill have outdoor seating?

Yes, The Blue Note Grill has outdoor seating options.

Does The Blue Note Grill have parking?

Yes, The Blue Note Grill has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is The Blue Note Grill wheelchair accessible?

Yes, The Blue Note Grill is wheelchair accessible.

Does The Blue Note Grill allow outdoor smoking?

Yes, The Blue Note Grill allows outdoor smoking.

Does The Blue Note Grill have free WiFi?

Yes, The Blue Note Grill has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

The Blue Note Grill is a live-music venue, with a full-service Restaurant serving BBQ, Ribs, Wings, Burgers and more.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - The Blue Note Grill

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Review Highlights - The Blue Note Grill

“Delicious food (ribs, pulled pork, collards, even the hush puppies are unusually tasty!!”

Mentioned in 24 reviews

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This is the way that BBQ should hit!!…read more We stopped in the "Shack" while visiting Durham. Having been huge fans of North Carolina style BBQ, we were not disappointed.My wife and daughter enjoyed the Pork Plate. By for me, I went with the two meat combo with Pulled pork and brisket. The pulled pork was spot on. It was perfectly smoked and almost melted in my mouth. With a touch of spicy vinegar sauce, I was gone to Carolina in my mind for the rest of the day. The brisket might have been some of the best I've ever had. It had a nice fat layer and was also "melt in your mouth" and juicy. The brisket didn't need any sauce at all. It was that good. The hushpuppies were the star at the table. My family considers themselves to be connoisseurs of hush puppies, and these were ranked in the top five. A respectable ranking from such a discriminating hushpuppy panel. The sides we sampled included collard greens, mac and cheese and BBQ beans. The collards and Mac and cheese were out of this world. I should have ordered a double serving of the collards. However, the beans were a huge disappointment. They were more like a bowl of sub-par chili than BBQ beans. If we return, they will not be selected. A great BBQ spot when you are in Durham. Highly recommend you stop by, if only to taste the brisket!

Got the two meat plate for about 26$. It comes with two sides and I chose to get fries and mac and…read morecheese. The sides were good but the start was definitely the brisket. It was tender and flavor was there. The ribs on the other hand was a bit dry and the hush puppies weren't my favorite since they felt a bit too dry and doughy. Overall, this has been one of my favorite bbq in Carolina.

Photos

Inside. Part of the dining room. Ordering line in background.

Close-up of Chili-Rubbed Beef Brisket, sliced. Part of our Three Meat Combo. $22.95.

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Inside. Open kitchen. Pickup and payment counter.

Moe's Original BBQ

4.5(162 reviews)

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We came on a Monday during a very quiet time. Since it was our first time, we appreciated the very…read morefriendly staff. The Pulled Pork and Burnt Ends were fresh and uniquely flavorful. But the Collard Greens were exceptional with a nice spicy touch. The only flaw was the potato soufflé side which was too creamy and mushy for our tastes. We really appreciated that the cook asked our opinion of our choices. We would definitely recommend a stop here.

Was walking around Durham with my girlfriend and decided to get some food. It was really good!…read moreWould come here again.

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Backyard BBQ Pit

4.0(1k reviews)

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My son and I stopped in for some dinner, clean lots of parking. Stood at the counter for a few…read moreminutes before we were acknowledged, seemed a bit unorganized but we placed our order. Rib tip dinner, with Baked beans and collard greens. The ribs were pretty good, the beans and collard also good. The star was the hush puppies. My son had the wings which was pretty generic, nothing much to write about, he wanted chicken but they were out! Overall it was decent but not sure I'd come back if in the area.

I ordered the brisket plate with a side of rib tips. Sides were Mac & cheese with collards. The…read morebrisket tasted like it's been dehydrated and thrown gravy on top to mask it. It was not tender all throughout. The ribs tips, almost the same texture. The only thing I thought was yummy was the collards. I didn't have hush puppies so they pulled out a loaf of bread placed it on top of the counter and replaced it with the hush puppies. So lame! Throw in an extra side if you ran out of hush puppies. So lame! Atmosphere is hot with no fans or AC running. Don't let the 4 star fool you and don't let me say...I told you so!

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Lawrence Barbecue

4.3(211 reviews)

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Y'all. Get out of here. This food is ridiculous…read more When they were at Boxyard, we went all the time, and they would always- ALWAYS- have a line of people, and would run out of menu items. They moved, and we were genuinely upset, because they were SO CLOSE to us. Yesterday, we had to drive half an hour to get there, but, again, it did not disappoint. The wings NEVER disappoint. The brisket sando was so good, and you never need BBQ sauce. It's moist, it can be messy, and the taste is always on point.

My daughter and i tried the grilled oysters. Very delicious. These topsail oysters are small,…read morebuttery and succulent. Sauce has a little kick, just right for me. Bad part is you could eat a couple of dozen of these easy, and at $4 a piece that could get really pricey !! Just be aware, these little babies are addictive !! Chili crisp cheesy tots were yummy !! Will have these again ! We sat at the bar and bartenders were friendly and engaging. Will be back for sure !!!

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Inside

Pork belly burnt ends, sweet and spicy collard greens, macaroni and cheese

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Picnic

3.9(449 reviews)

3.9 mi

•$$

Got a pound of Brisket and pint(s) of Green Beans, Hush puppies, Cole…read more Slaw and Baked Beans for my sister and her family. Everything was so good!! The Brisket was so tender, smoky and done perfectly. Picnic is the best BBQ in Durham and that's saying a lot because this town's got some really good BBQ for NC.

To us, it was incredibly underwhelming. The Mac and cheese was mediocre, at best. What they did to…read morethe fried chicken might be considered criminal. The fries were frozen crinkle cut and very blah. The okra was good. And the burger was good. Very unusual for me to say that food is under-seasoned, but very under-seasoned. They put sea salt in a regular shaker, and you couldn't coax it out. My curiosity is satisfied and I have no need to eat there again. If you are really hungry, and don't have another option, you can fill your belly. I just doubt you will actually ENJOY the experience.

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Main cabin

Oh that sando!

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It's a Southern thing: Kitchen and Bar

3.9(725 reviews)

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This is a decent four-star Southern bar near the Duke campus. We were driving through town, and we…read morestopped here before visiting the local botanical garden. There's plenty of paid street parking in the area. The interior is a bit dark inside, minimal ambient light from the outside, TVs around the bar. Lunch arrived quickly, I had the patty melt which was a bit over salted, but not too bad. Service from Makena was overall decent, nothing exceptionally bad or good. Pricing for lunch averaged just over $20 per person, including the "included gratuity." It's a fine Place to get standard bar food.

We were driving from Columbia, South Carolina to Richmond, Virginia today and decided to stop in…read moreDurham for some lunch around noon. This place is located in the downtown area of Durham on the second floor of a red brick building. There is plenty of patio, bar and dining room seating. It was a little hot for the patio so we sat at one of the tables in the dining room. The menu offers a handful of appetizers and salads, as well as about twenty lunch entrees. I went with the NC pulled pork sandwich. It also had coleslaw on the sandwich. Side options included fries, salad, Brussel sprouts, or onion rings. I went with the brussel sprouts and they were very tasty. My husband had the patty melt with French fries. The fries were a generous and tasty portion. His patty melt was very salty, though. Service was pretty quick.

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Dampf Good BBQ

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A Texas style thank you to Dampf Good BBQ!! Being from Texas, I am always searching for truly great…read morebrisket...found it!!! Dampf Good BBQ truly does Texas proud. Today was my first visit and I knew it would be something special. The owners, brother's Nick and Bryce, have mastered the flavors of the iconic cuisine of the Lone Star State. The brisket is incredible, and when you add a sausage link, it takes it to another level. My side of Jalapeño Cream Corn tasted like it came from my grandmother's kitchen...creamy, comforting, and with just the right amount of heat. The setting adds its own magic. Located in Cary, the drive takes you through the city, but as soon as you turn onto Good Hope Church Rd and turn into Phillips Farms of Cary, you're transported straight to the country - rolling pastures, open space, and a relaxed atmosphere. The scenery alone sets the tone, but then the music kicks in. Texas' own Stevie Ray Vaughn, followed by classic country tunes. Between the landscape, the music, and the smell of barbecue in the air, I felt like I was back home like a warm Texas memory. The staff is fantastic...kind, helpful and they clearly take pride in what they do. They serve from a large food truck, but the set up feels like your at a favorite outdoor restaurant. You dine outdoors at picnic tables under a pavilion, giving the whole experience, a cozy downhome feel. And here's one of the best parts: they are opening a second brick-and-mortar location in downtown Durham in November 2026!! It's no surprise they have earned a spot in the Michelin Guide as a barbecue favorite...they are, without a doubt, Dampf Good!!!

This is the best Texas barbecue outside of Austin. A tip to order ahead on their website and…read morepossibly get a bit shorter line when you get there to pick up your food. The sides are so unique and fantastic and flavor the brisket sandwich was outstanding and these guys offer great service. Be prepared to wait a bit as with a Michelin rating this place is always busy.

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So tasty.

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City Barbeque

3.8(454 reviews)

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Hunter was awesome with helping us with our order!!!!! Very helpful!!!!…read more Thankyou We will definitely be back again

We've been coming here since day one and the quality of service and their food is still top notch!!…read more We usually make a point to come here on Tuesday's when it rib day, but tonight we felt like their pork sandwiches. I got the Lolo's pulled pork. The sandwich is so big. I swear it's at least a half pound of delicious pork. I also got the corn casserole and my spouse got a side salad that she enjoyed. Bottom line, they knock it out of the park every time.

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Sampler: 2 Meats, 2 Sides, Texas Toast. Pulled Pork, Brisket, Collard Greens.

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Maverick's Smokehouse & Taproom

3.4(285 reviews)

0.4 mi

•$$

This was our first trip to North Carolina and we wanted to try North Carolina BBQ. So, we ordered…read moretakeout while visiting Durham. I'm leaving 2 stars in case this may have been an off night, and for this review not to be dismissed as one of those "I only left one star because I couldn't leave zero" posts that even I usually ignore. But with the amount of issues, this could easily be justified as a one-star review. When I arrived around 6:45-7:00 p.m. on a weeknight, the restaurant was completely empty. I didn't think much of it at the time, but afterward this seemed unusual for a barbecue restaurant in a state known for its BBQ. The first real issue was that one of our two-meat dinners was missing one of the meats. Next was that the brisket was extremely dry, even when soaked in barbecue sauce by them, and even more sauce added by me. The ribs had an acrid smoke flavor and a smell that resembled the odor more of cigarette smoke than even liquid smoke. I'm not accusing the cooks of smoking in the kitchen. In fact, research tells me, "An unpleasant, ashtray-like smell can come from dirty smoke (a poorly managed fire), excessive creosote, or meat that sat too long." With how empty the restaurant was, it could very well have been the latter. Sides: My son's fries were also missing. The sweet potato fries were significantly undercooked. The hush puppies' outer layer was a bit more solid than I'm used to, and several of us could not take more than one bite. However, this could have been due to personal taste. The potato salad and mac and cheese were just okay, but that could also be personal taste. We're the type of people that try to convince ourselves something is better than it actually is, which is why I sat on writing this until the day after. This is also why I'm not even going to attempt to ask for a refund. I don't see us ever going back to that area, nor that restaurant. I'm generally not a picky eater, but this was one of the few times where I could not take more than a few bites of anything. We were really looking forward to trying NC BBQ in NC, so this was a disappointing experience.

We stopped in at 7pm on a Friday night and it was dead inside the food was pretty good though and…read moreservice was quick due to us being the literal only patrons there. Over all it was reminiscent of places we have in Texas but we had a great dinner so no complaints from us. I got the Fergie burger and husband got the brisket sandwich

Photos

Dining area

1/2 lb Brisket, pulled 1/2 lb Pork, baked Bourbon Beans, Mac N Cheese, Little Devils, 1/2 lb Sausage, pulled chicken

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Fun gentleman singing outside to Otis Redding! Be happy!

Byrd's Barbecue

4.4(102 reviews)

3.5 mi

•$

I'm a little biased because I live down the way from Byrd's and I am not ashamed to say that when…read morelooking for a house in the area I decided to buy our house because Byrd's was down the street after trying their BBQ. I love watching this business grow since we have been in the neighborhood. The owners James and Kim and the nicest people you will ever meet. All of the staff are consistently friendly, and I have never had a bad interaction - even when they are packed... which is most of the time. When I moved to North Carolina, I was excited to explore the BBQ scene. Unfortunately, several places I tried were disappointing. I'm not going to get into the Eastern NC versus Texas-style debate because I enjoy them both. Simply some of the barbecue I tried was just not very good. Then I found Byrd's. I don't know what James is doing back there in the kitchen, but the brisket is excellent. The ribs are my other favorite, and, as an added bonus, they serve breakfast! I had the brisket omelet, and it was amazing. They have great food, genuinely kind people, and a neighborhood business worth supporting. Go check them out, you won't regret it.

Excellent BBQ spot. If you're in the area or traveling along I-85, it's a quick and easy stop just…read moreoff the highway. The restaurant has a modern fast-casual vibe, both inside and out, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. The food is what really steals the show. We ordered a burger with fries, a pork sandwich with fries, pulled pork with green beans and potato salad, and brisket with coleslaw and every single item was delicious. The standout was definitely the brisket. It had an incredible peppery rub and perfectly smoked flavor that kept you going back for bite after bite. Easily some of the best brisket we've had.

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Dining area

3xMeat lunch bbq chicken ribs and brisket,

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Restaurant location

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12 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Justin W.

8 months ago

As a musician, The Blue Note Grill is one of my favorite places in Durham--especially because of the jam every Tuesday night. It's one of those rare spots that truly supports live music and creates a welcoming, respectful environment for musicians of all levels. The crowd actually listens, the vibe is relaxed but energized, and the jam is always well run, fun, and inspiring. You never know who's going to show up, and that's part of the magic. On top of that, the food is outstanding--great BBQ, solid portions, and exactly what you want after (or before) a long night of playing. The staff treats musicians right, keeps things moving smoothly, and makes you feel appreciated, not rushed. The sound is good, the energy is real, and it feels like a genuine music community hub. Tuesday nights at The Blue Note Grill are something special, and I'm grateful to have a place like this to play, connect, and enjoy great music and food week after week. read more

Fred S.

3 years ago

Walk in no hello or welcome 3 knuckleheads looking at me. I look at the bar it's packed. I go it looks like your packed. Old jackass goes yep we are sarcastically. You're in the hospitality business quit being a jerk! read more

Nile G.

5 years ago

The food was so amazing. We went in a large group of people and we still got our food fast. The customer service is amazing. 10/10 recommend

Ariette V.

9 years ago

Great food - great atmosphere and great music, we spent a great evening there. You will like the bar and the people read more

Mara C.

18 days ago

I love this place!! It's amazing, great music and service. I would recommend the ribs and all the food!

Karen B.

5 years ago

Can't wait to return for music! Had lunch on the patio. Service was great and very friendly.

Tessa L.

7 years ago

Good food. Fun atmosphere with the live music. Friendly staff. Thanks for the good time!

Robbie W.

8 years ago

All the food is good and fresh but the ribs are my favorite.

Keith S.

3 years ago

This place is awesome. The Subdudes were playing.

Paula S.

7 years ago

The help isn't treated very well there.

Ana H.

4 years ago

Everything is good, the food and music.

Valerie V.

Elite 24

300

463

1313

11 years ago

quick service, good comfort food!

The Blue Note Grill - tradamerican - Updated September 2026

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I didn't like nor dislike this place. The views were great so was the ambiance but I feel like the…read moremenu is pretty small for brunch. I just didn't like a lot of the options I thought they would have some interning things and then some obscure but it just wasn't really my palette :/ The service was good though they were accurate and quick. I got a bacon egg and cheese sandwich (comes on French toast) it was just okay the bacon made up for most of it tbh. Now I really loved the ambiance, visuals, and space overall so I won't knock it all the way and I'd love to go back for dinner to compare and see!

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This is a great little dive bar near Duke University East Campus. It has a great selection of on…read moretap beers, ales and ciders. We also had fries and fried mozzarella triangles (like sticks). The bar tender and cook where great. I am definitely going back!

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I have been to the spot several time in various guises. It's a great location. This iteration seems…read morelike the best for the area: it's very family friendly, with tons of games and playground area for the younger set. I came at 5:45 on a Monday (because no other places are open on Mondays!), and was one of maybe four me. In the place. The rest were moms with one or two (or more!) kids, some waiting for dad to join them after work. I ate in a covered patio that in a few months will be too hot to endure. But tonight, mid-March, it's a sunny delight. I ordered a smashburger and a Kingstown Negroni. Drae stirred my drink and out the order in, and it arrived with fries just minutes later. Juicy double patty burger, caramelized onions, cheese, salt & pepper fries. Fresh and very tasty. WiFi was fast, music was smooth but subdued. (Think Sade and Barry White dueling. Wish I wasn't alone!) Kids were everywhere, but very well-behaved and in explore mode, which I find adorable! There are outside areas covered in open or tarps, clear flexi-glass walled off areas, and true "indoor" places you can watch TV in. Everything from Top Gear to REN & Stimpy. A great way to spend an early dinner/very late lunch.

Very intrigued by the unique menu so decided to stop by for dinner on Friday late afternoon…read more Very large open area both inside and outside. Casual with various seating options booths, chairs, benches. Very kid friendly, there were many young children running around inside and outside. My only negative would be the amount of flies around the food and landing on your food while you're eating. Service was great, fast and friendly. I appreciated the ordering system. You could order from the bar or order from the unique QR CODE attached to each table. You could close out from your phone or the bar. Staff brings out your drink and food order according to your unique QR code id. Food was amazing! Can't wait to come back and try something different. I had the smash burger with regular fries and the peach ginger non alcoholic drink (very yummy).

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Stopped by while in town for a flight and some apps. We ordered a flight of 4 and some Parmesan…read moretruffle fries, both of which were delicious. Service was quick and our waiter was super enthusiastic and accommodating. We sat outside on the patio area, but there was ample seating inside, both at the bar and at tables. There are couches outside as well as a large connect-4 game you can play. Overall, we had a great experience and have no complaints. Hope to be back soon!

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Came in for a quick bite with friends around lunch time and there was plenty of seating. Parking in…read morethe area can be tricky depending on time of day. I got a plate of fries for $8 which came with a choice of 2 sauces. The portion was generous (you are paying $8 after all) and the fries were cooked to perfection - super crispy and satisfying. There was a good selection of sauces and I ended up getting the aioli and a mustardayonaise, both of which I enjoyed. A casual spot to get food!

My friend and I ate dinner on the outside patio last night. Prior to her arrival I sat at the bar…read moreand had great conversations with the bar tender and the other patrons. I ordered the cob salad, french fries with curry and aioli sauces, roasted beet bruschetta, and roasted carrots. All was delicious! Portions are appropriate for the price. Yes, I took half of everything home. My friend ordered the sweet potato burrito. It was too spicy for her so she ordered the turkey club. She loved it! I took her burrito home since I enjoy spicy foods and had it for lunch the next day. It was spicy but not overwhelming and the flavor was great. The service was adequate.

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This is a lovely place to come. It's casual, but the food is very good. I don't think you can go…read morewrong ring with what you order. Everything I've tasted so far has been very good! The service is friendly and fast. They bring out drinks and refills quickly. The place is like a seafood restaurant for lost in the piedmont. Lots of random seafood things hanging on the walls or from the ceiling. I only have minor critiques about the food. This is really me nitpicking, but I do notice it. I make better grits than they do. Their grits tend to be under seasoned, but the grits absorb other flavors which helps. The pasta is overcooked and a little on the mushy side. Everything else law is spot on though!!

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•$$

Landed on this place while on a short trip in Durham and the food was so good! I ordered the…read moremolletes with a cilantro pineapple marg. Solid combo! I loved the vibe inside and wish I could take a dive like this back home with me. The food also came out super fast and the workers were really cool!

This place is super cute!!!!! I was a group of friends at…read moreanother bar that doesn't serve food, so I knew I needed to have something on my stomach before consuming libations! When you walk in, you grab a menu at the door - order at the bar - and have a seat! I could not tell you what I ordered, I took the bartender's recommendation (since it was my first time there) I can't remember the name (I think it's called Mollette or something close to that - sorry), but it was like chicken tacos in bread (if that makes sense). You can order another meat type, I just ordered the chicken! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!!! And the ladies that were working the bar - GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE! I will definitely go back again!

Nantucket Grill - Durham

3.6

(454 reviews)

•$$

A staple of the triangle area. I like taking guests/newcomers of the area here. The food--classic…read moreNew England/American fare--is consistently solid: not necessarily a "wow" experience, but always satisfying and reasonably priced for the portion sizes. The service is reliably good, and I especially appreciate the community atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you regularly see families gathering and large groups celebrating together. The cakes are the best - and one of the flavors I associate most with the area and my early days after moving here, very nostalgic! My personal favorite is the strawberry shortcake, which I find myself coming back for often!

I've been here 3 times, and they never disappoint. I had the salmon this time and a slice of…read morestrawberry chocolate cake, both delicious. The prices are very reasonable (compared to Long Island prices). I will definitely return when I'm in town. Thank you.

Tobacco Road Sports Café

3.4

(686 reviews)

•$$

I had the pleasure of visiting Durham for the first time this weekend. Tobacco Road was everything…read morethat I wanted in a local bar; the food was hot, the beer was cold, and the wonderful view of the ballpark was unforgettable. The bartender, Emily, was nothing short of perfection. I was attended to with care, precision, and a warm smile. She was the rare server who makes you forget that are a visitor in whatever city your travels may take you. I have been to many bars all over the world, and Emily was exceptional in her service, personality, and ability to create a positive guest experience. I would strongly recommend anyone traveling through the triangle to visit Tobacco Road Sports Cafe. I know that I will the next time I am in town.

I had to be in Downtown Durham today, so i called a friend to meet me for lunch and she suggested…read morethis place. It was just a short walk from my original destination, so it was perfect. I wasn't greeted promptly when I walked in. There was a manager talking to an employee near the entrance. They both saw me and said nothing. The hostess did apologize when she finally made her way to the desk and then seared me. The waitress wasn't very friendly. She wasn't rude, but made it feel like every ask was a chore and we didn't ask for much. The space is HUGE with a variety of seating options. Lounge chairs, booths, & bar stools. There's a bar every EVERYWHERE. I can imagine how busy they get during big televised sports events and even for Durham Bull Games since they're literally in their back yard. The menu is huge and eclectic. I went with the salmon that's served with mashed potatoes and asparagus. My friend ordered the Greek Lemon Chicken.i ordered my salmon medium well,but it was stiff and dry and they put entirely too much sauce on it. The sauce was supposed to be lemony, but I only tasted cream the asparagus were overcooked and greasy, but the mashed potatoes were garlicky and delicious. My friend enjoyed her chicken but said it wasn't anything too special. Not sure if I'll go back to this place. There were a bunch of other cool places to try in the area. Customer service needs a little improvement and that's more important to me than the food.

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