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
Stopped by the Federal for lunch. We started with the deviled eggs. They were really good, but a bit salty. We got the Italian beef, the Steak salad, and the fried cheese curds. Everything was delicious, but just a little heavy on the salt. The steak salad was HUGE! I loved it and it definitely cane with a good amount of steak. The atmosphere is pretty chill. The Federal is a a small bar with a big foodie thing going on. We would come back for sure.
BRIAN MASSENGILL
Jan 18, 2025
5
One of our new favorite spots. We started off with Federal Fries, and a Federal Burger. Someone in our party got chicken wings and loved them. We also got the large pretzel with cheese and buffalo chicken dip. We will definitely go again and we look forward to sitting outside.
I told myself I wasn't going to put this part in, but it happened. You have a 50/50 chance of getting the nice Waiter. One was nice and the other was........ Not as nice. Please take my sense of humor and go try it for yourself.
The food was really great. And even the bad
service was not that bad. Just not as good as the other guy. And I'm sorry I don't know the other guy's name. But thank you for being good.
We will definitely come back and we will probably be too scared to say anything next time also. All for fun, thank you.
Andrew Brigida
Oct 25, 2024
5
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 😎
