This Main Street mainstay just celebrated is 15th anniversary. As the story goes, "in March of 2004, after three guys got together and saw a need for a solid neighborhood bar that celebrated Durham." Over a decade and a half later, they're still going strong. Open seven days a week, The Federal offers drool-worthy nachos, Buffalo chicken sandwiches and burgers – plus a late-night menu.
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Hours:
Monday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
We visited Federal in downtown Durham during Oktoberfest, and it was an amazing experience! They had a special Oktoberfest menu that really set the mood with German-inspired dishes and festive brews. We loved the bratwurst plate, which was perfectly seasoned and served with sauerkraut and a pretzel. The atmosphere was cozy and lively, and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable about both the regular and special menus. Whether you’re looking for a great spot to celebrate an event like Oktoberfest or just want a casual yet delicious meal, Federal is a fantastic choice. We’ll definitely be back!
William
Oct 24, 2024
5
Ordered delivery. Impossible burger was amazing, seasoned well and super tasty with a good char on the outside. Mushrooms and Swiss on top was plentiful, didn't feel like it was too little or too much. Fries were great as well. Would highly recommend
Rachael A
Oct 12, 2024
3
Better bar staff and better decor is a dire need in this place. I spend $20 on a Sandwich and thick mustache man tells me I have to ORDER a container of ranch after my 20th time ordering from this dive. I'm sure I can find 100 better places to spend my Black dollars in downtown Durham and you can too
Carey Spanbauer-Wilde
Oct 6, 2024
5
The deviled eggs are so good! They have a great selection of beers and wines as well as a stocked bar. The portions are huge and the sides are great. The patio is awesome and brunch is until 2 on weekends
Bethany Bonnemere
Sep 25, 2024
5
I love the steak salad and the fries at the Fed. I took a friend here recently who had never been and she has a host of food allergies. The waitress, whose name escapes me, was incredible, and made sure that we were able to enjoy our meal and not worry about troublesome ingredients. Her attention to detail was very impressive.
Brian Chmura
Sep 14, 2024
5
We grub hub from the Fed a bunch but the Fed is best on premises. My son texted and asked if we could get fish n chips. It was a Tuesday at 5:30 and no crowd. Service was great as usual and we had the local figs with an Italian farm cheese as an app. Always cool stuff on available at the restaurant. It stays in our rotation.
Christopher Shaw
Jun 5, 2024
5
The wife and I found ourselves in downtown Durham today and discovered this quaint restaurant across from Brightleaf Square. The Fish & Chips were spectacular as well as the Prime Rib sandwich. This is now on our radar for the next time we visit downtown Durham 😎
Natina Harris
Feb 3, 2024
5
A neighborhood corner bar restaurant with amazing food and wonderful staff! My daughter put me on to this place. Ladies and Gentlemen! Without further ado, meet the best Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with special sauces in NC!! Hands down, one of the best in the world!! I can say that, too. LOL 😋😍❤️
Josh Brown
Jan 11, 2024
5
This place is the absolute best. The staff are super engaging and really personable. It's a cool older bar with excellent food that isn't bad food. Even the wings seem like something you'd eat at a ridiculously overpriced swanky restaurant.
Go for the alcohol if you like. Go for the food if that's your draw. But go. The people are the best part.
