Durham is a huge food town—barbecue, chef‑driven Southern, and yes, absolutely burgers. These five spots are constantly in the conversation when locals talk about their favorite burger in Bull City.
1. Bull City Burger and Brewery
If you ask ten Durham locals for a burger recommendation, at least half will say “Bull City Burger” right away.
They grind their own beef in house, use pasture‑raised local meat, and give you a choice of fun toppings: pimento cheese, bacon, grilled onions, jalapeños, blue cheese, and seasonal specials. The buns are soft and slightly sweet, and the burgers come out juicy, with a proper sear. Pair it with duck‑fat fries and one of their house‑brewed beers, and you’ll understand why it’s practically a Durham landmark.
2. Only Burger
Born as a food truck and now with a brick‑and‑mortar presence, Only Burger specializes in that classic, dialed‑in burger experience.
Thin, smash‑style patties with crispy edges, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and special sauce on a soft bun—basically the ideal version of a fast‑food burger, but made with real care. You can stack patties, add bacon or fried eggs, and customize to your heart’s content. Fries and shakes seal the deal.
3. Dain’s Place (on Ninth Street)
A cozy, slightly crowded, very beloved bar on Ninth Street that also happens to do a killer burger.
The Dain’s Burger or other specialty burgers usually feature a thick patty, melted cheese, bacon, spicy peppers or onions, and house sauces. It’s the kind of burger you eat with a beer in hand, surrounded by Duke students, locals, and a game on TV. Messy in a good way, and very much a Durham institution.
4. Geer Street Garden
Housed in a converted gas station with a big outdoor patio, Geer Street Garden is a Durham staple for casual hangs—and its burger is one of the menu’s standouts.
The burger is simple but excellent: juicy patty, American or cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, and house condiments on a toasted bun. They also do variations with bacon, pimento cheese, and other Southern touches. Add “Pounder” fries and a beer and settle into the patio for the full experience.
5. Burger Bach (Durham)
A New Zealand–inspired gastropub that treats burgers more like steakhouse dishes.
They use grass‑fed beef with a rich, clean flavor and stack it with high‑quality toppings: blue cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, avocado, eggs, and various house sauces. Burgers come cooked to temperature, on substantial buns that hold up, and the fries with dipping sauces (like garlic aioli and curry ketchup) are half the fun. Locals hit Burger Bach when they want a “nice” burger that still satisfies a serious craving.
Get the All-American Travel Secrets!
Don't miss out on America's hidden gems!
