Durham's Best Neighborhoods for Food and Nightlife
If you're moving to Durham to enjoy the cuisine and nightlife in the area, consider living in one of these neighborhoods.
There’s nothing better than being able to walk down the street to your favorite coffee shop or bar. From biscuits to barbeque, here are some great neighborhood options for those who want convenient access to an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and nightlife activities.
Central Park District & Old North Durham Neighborhoods
This downtown destination is an arts & cultural hub. Home to breweries and restaurants like the Motorco Music Hall, Fullsteam Brewery, Boxcar Bar + Arcade, and the famous Dame’s Chicken & Waffles, this area is a popular spot to explore both day and night! These neighborhoods are easy to walk or bike through and provide easy access to Downtown Durham and Old West Durham neighborhoods. There’s even the Durham Skate Park that’s open to all ages!
Downtown Durham & Old West Durham Neighborhoods
As the economic backbone of the city, the downtown area is an exciting place for all ages and stages! With countless restaurants and nightlife activities, this neighborhood is popular with young professionals comfortable walking or using scooters to get around easily. Homes continue to significantly appreciate thanks to the city’s rapid growth, so any real estate investment in this area is worth considering.
One of the most popular sights to see right in the heart of downtown Durham is the American Tobacco Historic District, which was repurposed to house around-the-clock entertainment, dining, and mixed use office space for residents and tourists alike. Visit the famous Burt’s Bees’ headquarters in the Historic Hill Building to see what all of the buzz is about or visit the expansive park that sits just on the other side of the mill and offers panoramic views of the downtown area!
Take me out to the ballgame—become season pass holders of the Durham Bulls, the city’s very own Triple A baseball team! There are plenty of tasty restaurants and bars surrounding the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, if you prefer to try something beyond the ballpark’s variety of offerings of local beer and ‘dogs. Even if you’re not a fan of baseball, the area is worth a visit.
The beautiful Carolina Theatre regularly showcases live music, films, and theatre productions.
If indoor entertainment is more your style, the Durham Park Arts Center offers a wide range of events, from comedy shows to off-Broadway plays. Or visit the Museum of Durham History to better understand local culture and history. The beautiful Carolina Theatre regularly showcases live music, films, and theatre productions.
From April through October, gather with friends and neighbors at Oval Park on the first Thursday of each month to enjoy local food truck fare. Then take an easy stroll to Central Park and the Brightleaf District after you’ve had your fill of the heart of Durham!
Brightleaf District
The Brightleaf District offers a unique shopping and dining experience, with a mix of locally owned stores and restaurants housed in a pair of historic warehouses on the cusp of downtown. This open-air courtyard has something for everyone regardless of age – food, art, and enough space to let the kids run free! Plus, right outside these historic warehouses is a diverse array of restaurant options with varying cuisine options, including Goorsha, James Joyce, The Federal, and Mavericks Smokehouse, among plenty of other options. This is a “foodie’s” haven!
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