If you’re looking for your local “Cheers” equivalent, Dain’s Place is a strong contender. The cozy Ninth Street neighborhood bar is typically jam-packed in equal measure with fans of sports on the TVs, the legendary tots and burgers on the menu and the slew of NC-made craft beers on tap and in the cooler. The vibe is friendly and unpretentious, and you can always make a new friend with another patron or with Dain himself.
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Hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
This place was weirdly forgettable. I actually had to Google it afterward because I completely blanked on the name. The food was fine, but nothing stood out. The burgers were okay, the fries were okay, and we didn’t get drinks, so nothing to comment on there.
The atmosphere was great, though. Cozy and inviting, definitely a five out of five for that. The staff was… interesting. One server was genuinely great, but another was oddly attentive to my husband in a way that was so obvious it was almost funny. He’s a handsome guy in his forties, and I’m just a regular gal, so it was hard not to notice.
I was excited to check out the Duke campus area, having walked through NC State and UNC before, but the food didn’t leave much of an impression. Overall, a decent spot with a nice vibe, but nothing I’d rush back for.
Jelitha Sullivan
Mar 8, 2025
5
I came to eat last night and this place EXCEEDED my expectations. The food was fresh, well seasoned, and fulfilling. The staff was also extremely friendly. Food came out quick. I literally have nothing negative to say! I’m impressed. I am trying to put more effort into supporting local businesses in this economy, so I will definitely be back!
NSA
Mar 5, 2025
3
Grabbed a dinner here with my friend
The place reminds me of a nice bar
Service was really good. The lady who took care of us was very attentive
The food however was a let down
The chicken sandwich according to my friend was just ok
I didn't like my beef burger and didn't want to eat the patty
The burger sides aka the mushroom and bacon were good
The star of the meal was the delicious fries
The mozzarella triangles , tasty but inconsistent.some filled some empty
Overall may come back for fries but not really for the rest ,maybe a drink
They comped me a bit for my burger but it wasn't the taste for me.
Don Bernal
Feb 10, 2025
5
The burger is real and great, with all the options to make it yours
Plenty of drink options, including N/A, to choose from.
Service was fast and friendly.
I wish we lived closer to have this as our home bar.
Jenn
Jan 20, 2025
5
We came here on vacation and it was wonderful. The service was great and the restaurant had a nice pub feel to it. The food was cooked perfectly and the fries had good seasoning on them. We highly recommend this place.
Eric Hanson
Jan 4, 2025
5
Nice local joint w/simple but delicious fare. We were waited on promptly and food arrived quickly, as ordered, and HOT.
If you want a good burger, this is the place.
Brianna Nelson
Nov 18, 2024
5
The bartender said it was the best burger in town and he told NO LIES!! Everything was hot fresh and delicious. The burger wasn’t sloppy and falling apart, the bread was perfect. Just amazing. Will definitely come back on my next visit.
Ronald Beaver
Sep 20, 2024
5
Found Dain's Place online a day decided to give it a try. I was not disappointed. Issac, who took my order made me fill welcomed. He also told me some history about Dain's Place and showed me some special memorabilia. The hamburger was cooked perfectly. My visit was excellent. When I bring my wife back to Duke Hospital, I'll hopefully be able to have another great burger. Thanks, Ron from Clyde, NC.
Gorjan Mitrushevski
Sep 13, 2024
5
Absolutely amazing place! Very cool vibes, very chill atmosphere. I had the cheesesteak with tots and my wife had the Reuben. The cheesesteak is no doubt the best one you can find. The tots are 9/10 and are amazing! Reuben can be better but the overall experience is still 5 stars.
Definitely worth checking out. We will be back.
Lindsay Wagstaff
Jul 6, 2024
5
Excellent burger, great bar atmosphere. Always love this place when I'm in Durham.
Daniel Cashman
Jul 2, 2024
4
This is a great area in Durham with cool restaurants (like Dain's) and shops. A must-visit when in Durham, NC.
Dain's Place is a great little bar/restaurant. The food was good, the bartender-waitress was friendly and attentive, and the prices were reasonable. The outdoor seating allowed us to bring our little dog and 'people watch'.
