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View Full Version : First Duke Basketball game for my 12 yr old son and I - 10/26 - where to eat?



DukeBlueDevil42
09-17-2013, 08:23 AM
My son and I are HUGE Duke Fans traveling from Ohio 10/25-10/26 for the pre-season game on 10/26. A fellow DBR member and Duke Alum from Ohio was kind enough to provide us with his tickets. Cant wait for the experience, and looking for any suggestions where we should eat to give my son and I the college pre-game experience? Also, any suggestions for must-see attractions for our first game? Last, any suggestions for autographs before or after the game? Thanks!!

P.S. - I did read previous posts regarding the same questions, however, most are a few years old and looking to confirm they are still valid - thanks!!!!!!!

FerryFor50
09-17-2013, 09:20 AM
Depends on what you and your son like to eat.

Give an some idea of what you like/don't like and I can give you a giant list of places.

DevilFalcon
09-17-2013, 09:22 AM
One vote for Enzo's pizza. It's close to campus, reasonably priced, quick, and tasty.

Bob Green
09-17-2013, 09:27 AM
I recommend Bullock's:

http://www.bullocksbbq.com/

That was my choice back in April prior to the Spring Football Game and I found the atmosphere, service and food to be excellent. The only problem I encountered was I ate too much, but that's on me not the restaurant.

uh_no
09-17-2013, 09:40 AM
I recommend Bullock's:

http://www.bullocksbbq.com/

That was my choice back in April prior to the Spring Football Game and I found the atmosphere, service and food to be excellent. The only problem I encountered was I ate too much, but that's on me not the restaurant.

love bullocks, great food, great service, plus they have all sorts of posters up, tons of team posters from bball teams past (great to look at with your son!), as well as signed posters from a good number of bigshots (the billy joel one always stands out to me)

just make sure you don't fill up on hushpuppies before the meal! (and trust me, if you aren't careful, you WILL fill up on hushpuppies)

Zeke
09-17-2013, 10:43 AM
Bu8llock's ONLY choice. Tradition, good food, and easy parking (if you go early). They don't take credit cards though, so take cash. I first went to Bullock's in 1956 and still make it a point to eat there at least once on every trip back to Durham. They are open for lunch too (I'm pretty sure).

DukeBlueDevil42
09-17-2013, 10:43 AM
Depends on what you and your son like to eat.

Give an some idea of what you like/don't like and I can give you a giant list of places.

He likes Wings, barbQ, pizza - thanks!

DukeBlueDevil42
09-17-2013, 10:45 AM
love bullocks, great food, great service, plus they have all sorts of posters up, tons of team posters from bball teams past (great to look at with your son!), as well as signed posters from a good number of bigshots (the billy joel one always stands out to me)

just make sure you don't fill up on hushpuppies before the meal! (and trust me, if you aren't careful, you WILL fill up on hushpuppies)

this sounds perfect - thanks!

DukeBlueDevil42
09-17-2013, 10:46 AM
I recommend Bullock's:

http://www.bullocksbbq.com/

That was my choice back in April prior to the Spring Football Game and I found the atmosphere, service and food to be excellent. The only problem I encountered was I ate too much, but that's on me not the restaurant.

thanks so much - sounds like bullocks it is, I just need to make sure I get in town in time to eat there!

airowe
09-17-2013, 11:10 AM
He likes Wings, barbQ, pizza - thanks!

Don't know where you'll be staying or how long you'll be here, but here goes:

Mexican

Durham has a vibrant Mexican community and has a number of local taquerias that you should hit up. My two favorites are:

http://www.lavaquitanc.com/ (two locations)


and

Super Taqueria: http://carpedurham.wordpress.com/2008/03/02/the-great-taqueria-tour-of-durham/

There's also http://dosperrosrestaurant.com/ for a more upscale Mexican flavor.


Italian


The only Italian place worth mentioning (and I'm married to a Sicilian) is Pop's Ristorante:
http://pops-durham.com/ I have heard rumors of fluctuating quality though


Mediterranean


Not much to report on that front in Durham proper. If you're interested, I can give you places outside of town that are worth a trip.

Thai

Just ate here last night: http://www.twistednoodles.com/Menu_Download%20Menu/TN_Durham_Menu.pdf Solid choices in some areas and slacking in others. There are some hole in the wall places that are good if you're interested. Thai Cafe and Pad Thai are two of my favorites.

Pub fare.

Lots of choices here. Tyler's Taproom http://www.tylerstaproom.com/ is one down in American Tobacco Campus (a must-see) and if you're here at night while the Durham Bulls are playing (Tuesday/Wednesday https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/team.asp?SponsorID=5883#.Ui5HAMa1HYX) definitely check out Tobacco Road Cafe: http://www.tobaccoroadsportscafe.com/location/durham.html

For more upscale pub food, there are a number of options on 9th street as well as Bull McCabe's in downtown Durham: http://bullmccabesirishpub.com/ (also has a bonus of Irish food).

Bonus:

My three favorite restaurants in town right now are #1 Mateo Tapas: http://mateotapas.com/ (make a reservation early, hard to get into but so worth it), #2 Bull City Burger (best burger you've ever had, all local ingredients): http://bullcityburgerandbrewery.com/Bull_City_Burger_and_Brewery/Home.html), Pizzeria Toro: http://www.pizzeriatoro.com/ Amazing pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven right in the middle of town.

There's a great new place for wings that I found recently. It's a little far out, but worth the trip. My wife is from Buffalo is these are the only wings she likes in Durham: http://mattiebs.com/

If you want wings closer, I'd recommend hitting up 9th Street and going to Dain's Place (http://dainsplace.chopshack.com/), Mitch's (http://www.mitchsbarandgrille.com/) or Charlie's (http://charliesdurham.com/).

Bullock's, Hog Heaven are old standbys for BBQ, but I recommend going to eat at 'Que when it opens in Diamond View III (in the right outfield of the Durham Bulls Athletic Park) when it opens this fall: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/05/16/2897654/friendly-bbq-rivalry-to-start.html

The Pit's Durham location is a ways off from opening, but is under construction.

Kimist
09-17-2013, 11:50 AM
Although it is not fancy or of the haute cuisine type, Bullock's BBQ is always on my list when I visit Durham.

Eastern NC BBQ is worth trying, and even their Southern fried chicken merits kudos. Think combo??

The interesting thing about eating there is your meal gets a bit convoluted: You first have to be very careful about not eating too many hot hushpuppies, and then (trust me!) you should save some room for their banana pudding for dessert. On my most recent visit my (generally picky) daughter even was grinning about the banana pudding and fresh (still warm) meringue on top.

As others have noted, you should definitely take some time to walk around and look at all of the autographed pictures on the walls.

Oh yes: They are open for lunch, but the business is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

k

wilson
09-17-2013, 12:42 PM
I certainly respect the opinions of the many, and it's definitely a Durham institution, but count me among those (and there are a fair number of us) who find Bullock's to be vastly overrated.

jimrowe0
09-17-2013, 01:18 PM
#1 Mateo Tapas is the my favorite, but make sure you make your reservation well in advance. The place is absolutely worth it.

uh_no
09-17-2013, 01:48 PM
#1 Mateo Tapas is the my favorite, but make sure you make your reservation well in advance. The place is absolutely worth it.

but i'm not sure that the cheese plate and the chorizo would be favorites of a 12 year old that likes pizza and BBQ....

flyingdutchdevil
09-17-2013, 02:09 PM
Institution? Absolutely. Convenient? Fairly. Good food? Nope.

Sorry Bullocks fans. The quality has really gone down hill. I was in Durham for the last two years and it's not the same that it once was. There is much, much better BBQ in Durham.

If you're looking for something fast and fun and fairly convenient, go to Q Shack. Food is so much better. However, for the best BBQ, go to Backyard BBQ. Unbelievable...

DukeBlueDevil42
09-17-2013, 02:41 PM
First, I appreciate all of your suggestions and comments - Thanks so much. Sounds like there are mixed reviews for Bullocks.... Almost afraid to ask this question, but what where would you recommend to eat for breakfast?

uh_no
09-17-2013, 02:41 PM
However, for the best BBQ, go to Backyard BBQ. Unbelievable...

backyard? are you for serious?

it's not even the best BBQ in RTP (Smokey's)

lets just say it's no coincidence that backyard is less than a mile away from the waste treatment plant...

http://goo.gl/maps/P3RCi

CrazyNotCrazie
09-17-2013, 02:51 PM
I agree with all of the votes for Bullocks. It is great food and a classic Durham atmosphere. Order family style, get some sweet tea, and you're ready to go.

I don't get back to town much, but for breakfast, I really like Elmo's. It can get crowded, but the food is very good and the prices are reasonable.

FerryFor50
09-17-2013, 02:55 PM
First, I appreciate all of your suggestions and comments - Thanks so much. Sounds like there are mixed reviews for Bullocks.... Almost afraid to ask this question, but what where would you recommend to eat for breakfast?

Breakfast:

Rise
http://risebiscuitsdonuts.com/

Parker and Otis:
http://www.parkerandotis.com/store/

Dane's Chicken and Waffles:
http://dameschickenwaffles.com/

Watts Grocery:
http://www.wattsgrocery.com/

Mad Hatter
http://www.madhatterbakeshop.com/

Guglhupf
http://guglhupf.com/

Dinner:

Burgers
Bull City Burger

Only Burger
http://onlyburger.com/

Pizza
Lilly's Pizza
http://lillyspizza.com/

BBQ
Q-Shack

Mexican
Dos Perros

FerryFor50
09-17-2013, 02:56 PM
backyard? are you for serious?

it's not even the best BBQ in RTP (Smokey's)

lets just say it's no coincidence that backyard is less than a mile away from the waste treatment plant...

http://goo.gl/maps/P3RCi

Co-sign on that.

Danny's has some decent BBQ, too. But if you want great BBQ and don't mind driving:

The Pit (Raleigh)
Allen & Sons (Chapa Heeyah)
Murphy House (Louisburg)

flyingdutchdevil
09-17-2013, 02:59 PM
backyard? are you for serious?

it's not even the best BBQ in RTP (Smokey's)

lets just say it's no coincidence that backyard is less than a mile away from the waste treatment plant...

http://goo.gl/maps/P3RCi

The people have spoken:

Backyard: http://www.yelp.com/biz/backyard-bbq-pit-durham (4.5 / 5.0)

Smokey's: http://www.yelp.com/biz/smokeys-bbq-shack-morrisville (4.0 / 5.0)

Bullock's: http://www.yelp.com/biz/bullocks-bar-b-q-durham (3.5 / 5.0)

Yes, yes. Please tell me that yelp is worthless. But, as this is DBR, evidence is needed, and yelp is the equivalent of RSCI (or something like it).

JetpackJesus
09-17-2013, 03:05 PM
First, I appreciate all of your suggestions and comments - Thanks so much. Sounds like there are mixed reviews for Bullocks.... Almost afraid to ask this question, but what where would you recommend to eat for breakfast?

For what it's worth, I always make a point to stop at Bullock's when I return as well. And Bojangles and Chick-fil-a, neither of which exist where I live.

As for breakfast, Elmo's Diner (http://elmosdiner.com/) on 9th St. has good breakfast options, but it probably will get crowded at breakfast time on a weekend. Foster's Market (http://www.fostersmarket.com/menus/market-menu/) is also a great breakfast option.

Cookout is another place you might want to check if you have any interest in milk shakes. It's just a tiny drive-thru, but they have tons of milk shake flavors (including banana pudding!!!), and they're cheap.

uh_no
09-17-2013, 03:07 PM
The people have spoken:

Backyard: http://www.yelp.com/biz/backyard-bbq-pit-durham (4.5 / 5.0)

Smokey's: http://www.yelp.com/biz/smokeys-bbq-shack-morrisville (4.0 / 5.0)

Bullock's: http://www.yelp.com/biz/bullocks-bar-b-q-durham (3.5 / 5.0)

Yes, yes. Please tell me that yelp is worthless. But, as this is DBR, evidence is needed, and yelp is the equivalent of RSCI (or something like it).

yeah but is this adjusted for SOS and tempo? :)

flyingdutchdevil
09-17-2013, 03:15 PM
yeah but is this adjusted for SOS and tempo? :)

If you mean 'Strength of Sauce' and the tempo/pace of eating delicious BBQ, then yes!

OldPhiKap
09-17-2013, 03:15 PM
Bullock's is an institution.

Satisfaction's is also a local Duke-oriented institution -- started in th emid-80's IIRC, and has been at the current location (unless something has changed in the last year or two) since the early '90's. Close to East Campus, which is also very pretty if you've never seen it.

sagegrouse
09-17-2013, 03:49 PM
I certainly respect the opinions of the many, and it's definitely a Durham institution, but count me among those (and there are a fair number of us) who find Bullock's to be vastly overrated.

The main reason to dine as Bullock's is to watch the locals who throng there. Pretty amazing. And, since Bullock's does not sell beer or other alcohol, there is a certain selectivity bias.

Food is just OK. It's worth an occasional nostalgic visit.

The simplest thing to do, of course, is the Fairview Restaurant at the Wash Duke. They have a simplified, comfort-food-oriented menu for pre-game meals. and I bet you can ask for the bar menu to order wings and such.

Dining at the Wash Duke enables you to park there, and it is only a five-minute walk to Cameron (and five minutes beyond that to the Chapel and the Main Quad for sightseeing).

Think about it.

sagegrouse

Olympic Fan
09-17-2013, 03:50 PM
Count me as a fan of Bullocks --I've been eating there for 20-plus years and have detected NO dropoff in quality of the food or service.

Order the sliced barbeque instead of chopped ... and the chicken (either fried or barbequed) is outstanding.

Backyard Q is not bad, but it's a dump -- I only visit it for takeout.

The Pit in Raleigh is very good ... a bit more upscale than our other joints. IMHO option, Allen and Sons in Chapel Hill is far and away the most overrated 'que joint in the triangle -- mediocre 'que and subpar sides. Danny's is good, but it's not a North Carolina 'que joint -- if you've ever had Florida barbeque, that's it. I can't wait to try "Que when it opens.

As for breakfast, I'd say Elmo's is the best place, although likely to be crowded. After that, maybe Cracker Barrell -- I know it's a chain, but they do do breakfast well.

Obviously, there are some fancy Durham restaurants that you may prefer if you are a foodie and don't mind spending $20-$30-$40 a person. You can find goo Mexican, good Chinese (Neo-China) and good Italian around. But if you want an authentic taste of Durham, DEFINITELY, try Bullock's ... I know some people here have dissed it, but two of the last three times I was there, I saw the Duke basketball staff (minus K) chowing down.

PS You can start more debates on the this board about barbeque than about whether K players enough players or takes too many 3s ... I understand that people with different tastes will have different opinions ... but anybody who thinks Allen and Sons is quality 'que (or that Bullocks is not) is seriously demented.

uh_no
09-17-2013, 03:57 PM
The main reason to dine as Bullock's is to watch the locals who throng there. Pretty amazing. And, since Bullock's does not sell beer or other alcohol, there is a certain selectivity bias.

Food is just OK. It's worth an occasional nostalgic visit.

The simplest thing to do, of course, is the Fairview Restaurant at the Wash Duke. They have a simplified, comfort-food-oriented menu for pre-game meals. and I bet you can ask for the bar menu to order wings and such.

Dining at the Wash Duke enables you to park there, and it is only a five-minute walk to Cameron (and five minutes beyond that to the Chapel and the Main Quad for sightseeing).

Think about it.

sagegrouse

or even just hit up the bull durham bar at the wa-duke itself...order burgers/fries/sandwiches. they'll have whatever game is on the projector screen

allenmurray
09-17-2013, 04:11 PM
I certainly respect the opinions of the many, and it's definitely a Durham institution, but count me among those (and there are a fair number of us) who find Bullock's to be vastly overrated.

It is incredibly over rated. But it is still a good pre-game choice due to a) tradition, and b) traveling with a 12 year old.

OldPhiKap
09-17-2013, 04:14 PM
It is incredibly over rated. But it is still a good pre-game choice due to a) tradition, and b) traveling with a 12 year old.


True. You could also stop in Lexington, NC on the way into town for the best BBQ going -- but that is a whole other thread somewhere else.

roywhite
09-17-2013, 04:16 PM
Simplest idea yet:

Eat inside the arena
You can get a good barbecue sandwich in the concourse near the exhibits (which you'll want to see)
Right nearby you can get pizza
And you can get Duke souvenier cups

It's not fine dining, but not bad either, and saves time and having to navigate around unfamiliar areas

uh_no
09-17-2013, 04:23 PM
Simplest idea yet:

Eat inside the arena
You can get a good barbecue sandwich in the concourse near the exhibits (which you'll want to see)
Right nearby you can get pizza
And you can get Duke souvenier cups

It's not fine dining, but not bad either, and saves time and having to navigate around unfamiliar areas

who wants to carry a heavy wallet around anyway :) the tiny pizzas are what, $8?

grit74
09-17-2013, 04:27 PM
Simplest idea yet:

Eat inside the arena
You can get a good barbecue sandwich in the concourse near the exhibits (which you'll want to see)
Right nearby you can get pizza
And you can get Duke souvenier cups

It's not fine dining, but not bad either, and saves time and having to navigate around unfamiliar areas

Exactly. The true Cameron experience should include concession food.

Having written that, CTC is a 8pm game. A snack before arrival, some concession food, a couple Tums, and wings somewhere in Durham, would be a wonderful evening.

Regarding earlier posts on BBQ, I thought the Backyard location on Guess Road was good. And the atmosphere was unique.:) I will have to try Smokey's now.

Dev11
09-17-2013, 06:30 PM
The simplest thing to do, of course, is the Fairview Restaurant at the Wash Duke. They have a simplified, comfort-food-oriented menu for pre-game meals. and I bet you can ask for the bar menu to order wings and such.

I believe they are a tad on the pricey side, but the wings at the Bull Durham Bar are my favorite wings in Durham, and I spent four years of college demolishing wings as a Duke student. Order their homemade chips on the side to ensure that you have a socially acceptable method for finishing all of the sauce, unless you are into aggressively licking your fingers.

sagegrouse
09-17-2013, 06:38 PM
I believe they are a tad on the pricey side, but the wings at the Bull Durham Bar are my favorite wings in Durham, and I spent four years of college demolishing wings as a Duke student. Order their homemade chips on the side to ensure that you have a socially acceptable method for finishing all of the sauce, unless you are into aggressively licking your fingers.

Yep, Wash Duke and high prices go together like Coach K and championships, but if you are travelling all the way from Ohio for a basketball game (912 mi. RT from Columbus, O. to Duke, or $465 at JTR mileage rates), so what if the wings are a little pricey.

sage

DukeHLM'13
09-18-2013, 05:38 AM
It won't be much for an excited Duke Basketball atmosphere (but I don't know if anything would be for breakfast) but Elmo's Diner on 9th Street is the go to breakfast place in Durham if your not looking for anything fancy. Its a great tradition diner with everything that you would expect. I've taken everyone there from my 12 year old brother to my grandmother and everyone loves it.

jimrowe0
09-18-2013, 07:50 AM
It won't be much for an excited Duke Basketball atmosphere (but I don't know if anything would be for breakfast) but Elmo's Diner on 9th Street is the go to breakfast place in Durham if your not looking for anything fancy. Its a great tradition diner with everything that you would expect. I've taken everyone there from my 12 year old brother to my grandmother and everyone loves it.

I agree with Elmo's diner for breakfast or Watts Grocery.

Stray Gator
09-18-2013, 09:12 AM
I agree with Elmo's diner for breakfast or Watts Grocery.

Watts Grocery is one of our favorite places for dinner when visiting Durham, and I know they serve a weekend brunch; but I wasn't aware that they serve breakfast. While Elmo's is a fine choice, another place we enjoy going for breakfast that's located close to West Campus is Another Broken Egg Cafe, at 2608 Erwin Road. Be sure to try the biscuit beignets -- a treat that's guaranteed to evoke smiles of approval from kids of all ages.

moonpie23
09-18-2013, 10:41 AM
I would recommend eating at the arena as well. especially with a 12 yr old. the argument over the FACT that putting vinegar on pig does NOT constitute "BAR B QUE" can be obsessed over some other time than game day at CIS.

When I took my 6 yr old to her first game, the excitement of eating pizza with all of the duke gear-wearing fans filling up CIS was a highlight for her.

Dev11
09-18-2013, 10:51 AM
I would recommend eating at the arena as well. especially with a 12 yr old. the argument over the FACT that putting vinegar on pig does NOT constitute "BAR B QUE" can be obsessed over some other time than game day at CIS.

When I took my 6 yr old to her first game, the excitement of eating pizza with all of the duke gear-wearing fans filling up CIS was a highlight for her.

Also they have Chick Fil A sandwiches at CIS.

rsvman
09-18-2013, 02:42 PM
Satisfaction (I always called it "Sat-eez" when I lived there) is pretty good for the stuff your kid likes. The atmosphere is just college town dive enough for me. I used to go there sometimes to watch the games on TV when I couldn't get into Cameron.

Indoor66
09-18-2013, 02:50 PM
Satisfaction (I always called it "Sat-eez" when I lived there) is pretty good for the stuff your kid likes. The atmosphere is just college town dive enough for me. I used to go there sometimes to watch the games on TV when I couldn't get into Cameron.

Didn't the old Mayola's on Gregson St. just north of Main become Satisfaction in the 80's or so (after Mayola Smith died) - before the one located in Brightleaf?

flyingdutchdevil
09-18-2013, 03:22 PM
Satisfaction (I always called it "Sat-eez" when I lived there) is pretty good for the stuff your kid likes. The atmosphere is just college town dive enough for me. I used to go there sometimes to watch the games on TV when I couldn't get into Cameron.

Sati's is basic, great college feel, but it doesn't have a Durham or North Carolina feel to it (which, if I came to visit NC for the first time, I would absolutely want).

Elmo's or any of the bbq places listed are great options.

Likewise, the WaDuke bar is a great place to unwind. Has more of a posh Southern feel to it, but that's part of the charm.

My recommendation - don't eat at Cameron. It's insanely overpriced and pretty terrible. Plus, you're gonna want to sit during half-time and just admire the greatest stadium in the US.

FerryFor50
09-18-2013, 03:25 PM
My recommendation - don't eat at Cameron. It's insanely overpriced and pretty terrible. Plus, you're gonna want to sit during half-time and just admire the greatest stadium in the US.

I dunno. When I went to Cameron, it was overpriced, but not compared to somewhere like the PNC Arena.

Definitely better to eat outside of Cameron, though. More choices, less $$, better quality.

-jk
09-18-2013, 03:49 PM
Didn't the old Mayola's on Gregson St. just north of Main become Satisfaction in the 80's or so (after Mayola Smith died) - before the one located in Brightleaf?

Before Brightleaf, Sats was in Lakewood Shopping Center in a much smaller space. They already had the bug on the wall, though. I don't know if they were ever anywhere else.

-jk