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Where to Get a Late Night Bite in Durham
When it comes to Durham restaurants that stay open late, you won’t have a problem finding a great spot. But, you might have trouble picking just one from all of the great options.
Catching a concert at Motorco Music Hall or a performance at DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center, are among the most entertaining nightlife activities in Durham, but sometimes timing means you’re hungry for a late-night bite after the show. When you’re jazzed up and, looking to get a drink and a late night bite somewhere, your problem won’t be finding a place, it will be choosing one of the many restaurants still open to guests or bars that go above and beyond typical late-night options.
It’s no secret that Durham’s restaurant scene attracts countless visitors every year and, with dozens of restaurants that stay open late, you won’t have to sacrifice flavor and quality when you’re jonesing for a midnight snack.
We’ve got all the info for you here: when they close, where they're located, and which late night cravings you can satisfy.
Durham Restaurants Open Late Every Day
Alley Twenty Six
Where: 320 E. Chapel Hill St.
When: 2 a.m. Fri. - Sat.; 12 a.m. Tues. - Thurs., Sun.
Looking for a late-night bite, but in the mood for something more elevated than standard pub fare? Head to Alley Twenty Six. With a robust list of craft cocktails, a delicious menu and intimate ambiance, this bar is a great place to visit if you want a late meal and drinks. Indulge in a plate of caviar and tots, snack on disco fries, and chase your hunger away with the legendary Alley Burger. Enjoy your meal indoors or sip drinks on the outdoor seating area.
Enjoy late-night fine dining at Alley Twenty Six. Photo: Baxter Miller / Alley Twenty Six
Boxcar Bar & Arcade
Where: 621 Foster St.
When: 1 a.m. Mon. - Sat.; 12 a.m. Sun.
Boxcar Bar and Arcade may be one of the best bars with games and activities in Durham, but they also have food served into the wee hours. Between the arcade games, the drinks, the food and the outdoor space, it would be easy to start and end your night right here. Sneak a fork-full of salad or noodles between rounds of pinball, or play DDR while you wait for your pizza to come fresh out of the oven. You can also order soft pretzels or dessert dishes if you’re feeling snacky.
Bull McCabe’s
Where: 427 W. Main St.
When: 2 a.m. Fri. & Sat.; 12 a.m. Thurs.; 11 p.m. Mon. - Wed.; 10 p.m. Sun.
Bull McCabe’s offers classic pub fair and a wide assortment of drinks at affordable prices. Gather at a table inside to watch a game or have a beer with friends on the spacious outdoor seating area until you get the midnight munchies. Order wings, burgers, fries or the delectable shepherd’s pie tots for a satisfying meal after a night out.
Grab some classic pub fare after drinks with friends at Bull McCabe's. Photo: Discover Durham
Cosmic Cantina
Where: 1920 Perry St.
When: 4 a.m. daily
Since its beginnings in 1995, Cosmic Cantina has been committed to serving up tasty, affordable burritos. In the decades since opening, the burritos have stayed just as tasty and nearly just as cheap. Add in that it’s open till 4 a.m. daily, and it’s no surprise that this establishment has gained and maintained legendary status. Looking for a little snack after cruising around Ninth Street after dark? Walk up the steps to Cosmic Cantina for a mini burrito or an order of nachos. If your stomach demands something more substantial, a giant burrito or a steak quesadilla may be just what you need.
Cookout
Where: 3624 Hillsborough Rd., 1540 S. Miami Blvd., 4245 N. Roxboro St.
When: 4 a.m. Fri. & Sat.; 3 a.m. Sun. - Thurs.
Founded in North Carolina, Cookout is a crucial late night eatery across many cities in the Southeast. You can order from Cookout well past midnight, and at three different locations across Durham – just be prepared to wait in the drive thru line. While there’s much debate on the makeup of the perfect Cookout Tray, one thing is agreed upon across the board: make sure you order a milkshake.
Devine's Restaurant and Sports Bar
Where: 904 W. Main St.
When: 1 a.m. Fri. & Sat.; 12 a.m. Sun. - Thurs.
With 17 TVs, 12 beers on tap and a full menu, it’s no surprise that Devine’s has been a beloved Durham establishment since its opening in 1978. The menu has a great selection of burgers, wings, appetizers and more. Head to Devine’s to catch the game, knowing you can order up a round of cheezy stix or onion rings even if the game goes into overtime.
Don't miss the cheezy stix at Devine's. Photo: AJ Alston
High Dive
Where: 101 W. Main St., Ste Lo2
When: 2 a.m. daily
Duck into High Dive for a classic dive bar experience with a personal touch. Affordable drinks, bar games and bar bites. Grab some popcorn or nachos topped with pickled jalapeños if you’re looking for a snack or a pair of hot dogs if you need something a little more filling.
Parts & Labor
Where: 723 Rigsbee Ave.
When: 2 a.m. Fri. & Sat.; 12 a.m. Sun. - Thurs.
Sharing a space next to Motorco Music Hall, Parts & Labor almost always has something going on, especially in the kitchen. Drop in for a pre-show bite or stop by later in the evening for after-dark eats. Their menu features yummy Asian-inspired dishes, including bulgogi bowls and bánh mi, creative poutine spin-offs, and a variety of shareables like fried banana peppers and cauliflower nugs.
Pizzeria Toro
Where: 105 E. Chapel Hill St.
When: 11 p.m. daily
If you’re craving an after-hours artisanal pizza in Durham, you’re in luck. Until 11 p.m. every day, you can order from the full menu of delicious, woodfired red and white pies topped with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Beyond the pizza, Pizzeria Toro offers an extensive wine list, antipasti, soups and a legendary kale salad.
Order a woodfired white or red pie from Pizzeria Toro well into the evening, every day. Photo: Jessie Gladdek
Queeny's
Where: 321 E. Chapel Hill St., Ste 100
When: 2 a.m. daily
With creative cocktails, local beers and a solid wine list, it seems almost like too much of a good thing for Queeny’s to also have a kitchen that’s open until 2 a.m. Enjoy the neighborhood vibes with a specialty cocktail while you wait for the kitchen to cook you up a plate of chicken crispers or sheet pan nachos. Its hours and location make it a perfect stop after shows downtown if your attending a festival like Full Frame or Biscuits and Banjos.
The Federal
Where: 914 W. Main St.
When: 2 a.m. Fri. & Sat.; 12 a.m. Sun. - Thurs.
Longtime Durhamites will remember a time when The Federal was one of the only late night food options. This downtown essential has continued to serve up great food daily (and nightly). Their menu features modern, unique takes on classic pub food like the schnitzel sandwich and “The Three Taquitos.”
Munch on quesadillas and fries after dark at The Federal. Photo: Aj Alston
Tobacco Road Sports Cafe
Where: 280 S. Mangum St.
When: 12 a.m. Fri. & Sat.; 11 p.m. Sun. - Thurs.
Tobacco Road Sports Cafe aims to be your favorite place to dine whether the game is on or not. Open late on the American Tobacco Campus, it’s a perfect spot to grab a bite after a Durham Bull’s game. The large menu has plenty of options, many of which are named after North Carolina’s favorite teams. Order the Eagle Pride Burger if you’re interested in handhelds or the buffalo chicken egg rolls if you’re feeling a snack. The Low Country Shrimp and Grits or the Frizzled and Drizzled Chicken are just two of the many great entree plates available.
Remy's Lounge
Where: 347 W. Main St.
When: 12:30 Fri. & Sat.; 11:30 a.m. Tues. - Thurs.
Craving late night tacos? Look no further than Remy’s Lounge. Order up tacos, quesadillas, bowls and burritos from Lady Gold Tacos. With multiple protein options, including vegetarian options, you can get a tasty snack, like a Frito Pie, or a full midnight meal – all for around $10 or less.
Velvet Hippo
Where: 119 Orange St.
When: 2 a.m. Fri. & Sat.; 12 a.m. Sun. - Thurs.
Keep the party going with snacks and light bites at Velvet Hippo. With an indoor-outdoor bar, rooftop views, dance floor and signature cocktails, this bar brings the good times all year round. The menu, crafted by chef Regina Jones, features a cheese board, sliders, dips and more.
Order a cheese plate for the table if you get the munchies on a night out at The Velvet Hippo. Photo: Sarah Matista / The Velvet Hippo
Durham Restaurants Open Late on the Weekends
Bar Virgile
Where: 105 S. Mangum St., Unit 1
When: 11 p.m. Fri. & Sat.
As one of the best cocktail bars in town, Bar Virgile provides guests with a refined environment to sip craft cocktails and enjoy artfully-crafted small plates and meals. Sandwich fans won’t want to miss the award winning house burger with a small plate of roasted beets or brussels sprouts. The charcuterie board is a great pick for those just looking to snack, or opt for the short rib risotto for something more substantial. Created with locally sourced, fresh ingredients in mind, Bar Virgile’s menu changes with the seasons. If you’re looking for a unique and fresh late night dinner on the weekend, Bar Virgile is your spot.
Emmy Squared
Where: 905 W. Main St. #25A
When: 11 p.m. Fri. & Sat.
Detroit-style pizza fans rejoice: Emmy Squared serves their inspired cuisine till 11 pm on the weekends. Located in Brightleaf Square, you can make a reservation or drop in after drinks. Not hungry enough for an award-winning pizza or burger? Not to worry. They have a great selection of delicious appetizers and salads.
Fonda Lupita
Where: 905 W. Main St. Ste 21A
When: 11 p.m. Fri. & Sat.
Enjoy traditional, homemade Mexican food till 11 p.m. every weekend at Fonda Lupita in Brightleaf Square. In 2022, Bon Appetit recognized this spot as on of the top 50 new restaurants in the country, so you know its good. Here, you can order dishes featuring hand made corn tortillas and gorditas and house made salsa. Savor guisos, pozole, menudo and more at Fonda Lupita.
Savor amazing Mexican food from Fonda Lupita till 11 p.m. every weekend. Photo: Discover Durham
Gym Tacos
Where: 102 City Hall Plaza
When: 11 p.m. Fri. & Sat.
After establishing itself as a Raleigh staple, Gym Tacos has opened a second location in Durham. Every weekend until 11 p.m., order delicious tacos served on homemade tortillas, stuffed with a variety of protein options that have been marinated and spiced to perfection.
Heavenly Buffaloes
Where: 1807 W. Markham Ave.
When: 2 a.m. Fri. & Sat.; 12 a.m. Tues. & Thurs.
Heavenly Buffaloes has truly earned its title, because their wings are absolutely divine. The menu may be simple but the flavors are complex – wings and waffle fries with plenty of sauces and spices to choose from. Every weekend until 2 a.m., and midnight Tuesday and Thursday, you can order their delicious wings – bone-in, bone-out or vegan – and a plate of waffle fries to satisfy your late night cravings.
James Joyce
Where: 912 W. Main St.
When: 11 p.m. Fri. & Sat.
Walk through the doors of James Joyce for an authentic Irish Pub experience. The kitchen stays open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights so you can enjoy the amazing pub food late into the evening while you drink your Guinness. The menu features classics like bangers and mash, a Reuben sandwich and an assortment of small bites.
La Mala
Where: 110 Corcoran St.
When: 1 a.m. Fri. & Sat.; 12 p.m. Thurs.; 11 p.m. Tues. & Wed.
La Mala provides guests with a lively ambiance, Mexican inspired cocktails and authentic Mexican street food. Open past 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, this fun spot is sure to send your late night hangriness running. The menu suits a wide range of palates and features botanas, ceviche, tacos, tortas and more. .
Maverick’s Smokehouse
Where: 900 W. Main St.
When: 11 p.m. Fri. & Sat.
Don’t worry BBQ fans, Durham didn’t forget you. While the Bull City has plenty of awesome barbecue joints, Maverick’s is the only smokehouse open after 10 on the weekends. Pulled pork, smoked sausage, brisket, chicken and more are all featured on this expansive menu. Feeling a bit peckish, but not ready to down a whole brisket sandwich? Order a basket of bacon jalapeño fries from the starter menu.
Mezcalito
Where: 706 Ramseur St.
When: 2 a.m. Fri. & Sat.
Mezcalito is known for having margaritas the size of your head and amazing food and its Durham location is no exception. The menu at Mezcalito offers guests ample choices, and the kitchen stays open until 2 am on the weekends. Sip on a “Spicy Pepino” and snack on chips while the kitchen cooks up your Ultimate ACP or Gringa Al Pastor tacos.
Mr. Fries Man
Where: 1105 W. Main St. Unit 110
When: 1 a.m. Fri. & Sat.
If you’re looking for late night fries, Mr. Fries Man will make your dreams come true. Here, fries get the spotlight they truly deserve. Served as a whole meal and not relegated to being “just a side,” you’ll find baskets loaded up with toppings like bacon, shrimp, chicken and more. Build your own basket or order one of their finely crafted creations until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Go ahead and have that last drink or see that dinnertime show. You won’t miss dinner.
