We visited Aaktun on a Sunday morning for brunch. We had made a reservation the week prior and were seated right away. The inside of the restaurant is gorgeous and feels like a trendy spot in Mexico. They have a DJ playing music during brunch time. We were initially concerned it would be too loud and hard to talk over, but it was actually the perfect volume and only enhanced our experience. Food was excellent! We got a breakfast sandwich, loaded tater tots, and poke. All were very fresh and well made - especially the fish dish! read more

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**Update 5/12/2026 - I made a reservation to take my mom to brunch on Sunday at 10:15. When we arrived, the hostess said the reservation had been made for outside. I explained and showed her that I booked standard seating and she said that meant outside, which I thought was strange because I was very careful not to book either option that was clearly labeled outdoor. I told her that we wanted a table inside and she said "I have a table that has a reservation for 11:30, can you be done by then?" I laughed and said "sure" but thought to myself that would be up to them! She asked another hostess to seat us, and after we were seated, we waited about 15 minutes and watched staff walk by our table multiple times and no one came by. The original interactions had already put a bad taste in my mouth, so I called another restaurant downtown and asked how long the wait would be for two. They could seat us in the bar area right away, so we got up and left Aaktun to head there. The first two experiences that I had at Aaktun were great. I'm glad I got to try their food because I won't be back after Sunday's experience. read more

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I visited Aaktun for this Saturday's coffee shop Saturday. There's street parking and a few nearby lots. Aaktun has indoor and outdoor seating for the coffee shop and a restaurant that I didn't see. It's super cute inside. The staff is friendly and eager to help. I asked a few questions and ordered the Churruna pastry and The Waves Latte, hot. I decided to sit outside because it was an absolutely beautiful day. I took a bite of the Churruna and it was absolutely delectable. The Waves Latte was also so perfect. I was immediately in awe of Aaktun. They have so many options, I can't wait to go back! read more

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Such a cool vibe! The DJ set the mood! I loved the menu. I ordered the B.E.C. It was so fluffy and seasoned to perfection. The bread was thick soft and buttery. The sauce was a nice touch. They have a great outdoor area. The tots were delicious. My friends enjoyed their curry chicken and ceviche. I really enjoyed the cafe de olla latte. The service was great. read more

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The ambience is so fun with the decorations. There is both a mini café area and a larger restaurant seating area (both indoor and outdoors) for meals. Service was speedy and well-informed. The food was overall a 4/5. The sandwich was a winner--fluffy and well-seasoned. The papaya salad left more to be desired. The green curry chicken was comforting, but would have been better with another layer of depth in flavor. The coffee and ceramic cups were beautiful. read more

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The food at Aaktun is always amazing! Drinks too. I love the decor and how the restaurant looks like I stepped into Miami. The management went over and above. read more

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The ambiance is beautifully decorated with a Tulum inspired theme. The food was absolute delicious and the presentation was impressive. My group and I ordered a variety of items and we all loved our dishes. I'll gladly say that was the best calamari I ever had. The iced mango matcha was one of the best I've had as well. I'd definitely return and try the coffee shop in the front of the building. read more

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"Where all the kool kids go - coffee edition" So cute. So quaint. So Tulum. So good. A Worthy visit. Parking is limited but available at the back of the establishment. Upon entering, the quarters are tight. While I didn't notice a paper menu, there are visual menus and online menus. It's preferable to determine order prior, however staff was super friendly and explained questions adequately. I ordered the (#1) wave coffee option with a premade ranchero breakfast burrito. Family member - tea with brown sugar syrup on the side. Others ordered the #2 custom coffee option, and cappuccino. We all agreed the coffee and tea were absolutely amazing. Key standouts: Cappuccino was delicious and NOT bitter. Breakfast burritos included fluffy eggs, and a mild but delicious sauce. Breakfast burrito tortilla wrap was soft and appeared homemade. The $7 (at time of review) premade ranchero burrito was filling (depending on appetite) and delicious. While I couldn't detect sausage, or cheese. I was satisfied nonetheless. While the breakfast items did most of the heavy lifting, the decor and customer service completed the experience. Order coffee in the front - dine in the rear area. Possible Con: Portion size, especially in relation to food. We all loved not only the food, but the experience. Looking forward to trying more Pocho food options (dinner ) in a wonderful aesthetic. Until next time. Coffee shop: 4.7 read more

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Wow. The most beautiful coffee shop I have ever seen in my life. Did not expect to find this in Durham, NC, but it beats all the ones I've been to in California. Also comes with a restaurant and bar. My Cafe de Olla Latte ($7) was delicious and came in a cute cup! I spoke with one of the partners, who told me that they want people to feel at home here, and that's certainly how I felt. Having all the options to drink coffee, eat, study, charge my phone, drink alcohol really does make you feel comfortable. He also shared that Aaktun means "cave" in Mayan, which certainly inspires the setting. And what a setting this is. The front area is where you order coffee. It's cozy and cute. Then, you go through a beautiful walkway with string lights hanging from the top to where the restaurant and bar area is. You can bring your laptop and study in the restaurant area too though. The bar is nicely lit and decorated. Overall a very relaxed, spacious atmosphere. read more

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I went for brunch on a Sunday. The restaurant is gorgeous and the food was delicious! The staff however, not so much. It took 40+ minutes from being seated for someone to come over and offer my friend and I a water!!! The only reason it did not take longer was probably because my friend and I were loudly stating that we were about to leave. We were found to speak loudly because the music was extremely loud (not the vibe for a Sunday brunch before noon)! I wanted to love this place because of the owner and the gorgeous atmosphere, but honestly I don't think it's worth it to over pay for the horrendous service. If you decide to order from there, I recommend you order from their coffee shop in the front or just do a pick up/to go order but don't expect your food to be on time! read more

Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I love Aaktun and have been here many times since it has opened. The place is so beautiful and unlike any other restaurant in the area- it feels like you're dining in a beautiful cave out of town. The entrance starts with a small and cozy coffee shop then leads you down the hall to the main restaurant. The inside is so pretty and the menu + atmosphere makes this a great spot to choose for basically any occasion. You can also order coffee shop items in the restaurant. The coffee is so good- I often get two coffees when I come because it's always made so well. The breakfast sandwiches are a MUST. It's hard to want to order anything else when they exist. If you are familiar with the famous egg drop sandwiches from Buldogis in Las Vegas- then you get a chance to have them here! They are so soft and delicious, and melt right in your mouth. I crave them SO much. The tots it comes with are also good and I usually don't care for tots. My friend says their burger is one of the best burgers she's had. The huli chicken skewers are also delicious and I have ordered this twice. The prices are great, restaurant is gorgeous, and every dish has been a hit. This place will always be one of my favorites! read more

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The bacon egg and cheese sandwich is excellent at Aaktun! I ordered it with aioli on the side with tater tots and it hit the spot. My boyfriend got a black coffee, two eggs, bacon, and the cornmeal pancakes. They were also excellent and made up a very well balanced meal. I thought the service was great at Aaktun and it is a regular in my rotation of Durham restaurants! read more

Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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The food was so good. I went there for Brunch and my partner and I both got the B.E.C sandwich and it was amazing. I got the Mexican hot chocolate and it was full of cinnamon and delicious. read more

Aaktun Coffee & Bar - B.E.C - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Each time I come I love my experience. To be honest I've only tried the BEC because I love it so much. This time my friend and I shared the pan y butter and we could have easily finished an order ourselves! The rolls were perfectly seasoned and the butter was smooth and not overly flavored. My friend got two drinks and liked both. We came without a reservation but were able to seat us outside. It was pretty windy and chilly but they had warmed inflatable domes. They were very effectively warmed and we even had to turn off the heater at one point, but a nice way to enjoy outside dining. Each time I come the vibe is amazing and every detail is great, down to the glassware and decoration. read more

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Ambiance - 5/5 (set apart) Quality and quantity of portions - 5/5 Service - 5/5. Came here as a party of 6 on a Sunday afternoon, and this spot did not disappoint! They recently opened and the space is BEAUTIFUL with greenery. The staff were super gracious, accommodating, and friendly. We had a baby with us and they immediately accommodated with tables and spacing. The food was so visually appealing and delicious! Our favorites (out of the park dishes) were the pan y butter and lomo soltado. They were bursting with flavors and perfectly cooked. We also got the Huli Huli Chicken Skewers, jerk chicken, Og burger, and Supreme Tochtos. We also got a handful of drinks. Everything was so delicious and aesthetically pleasing. read more

Food was so good, vibes inside were very cool, and coffee was delicious as well! Really neat local spot.

Scrumptious coffee and breakfast sandwiches!!! Stopped in for brunch on a Sunday and ordered the "B.E.C. Sando"- scrambled egg, American cheese, Benton's bacon, avocado (extra), with Aaktun white sauce, on challah bread. The bread and the white sauce MADE the sandwich 10/10. Incredible breakfast sandwiches (big & messy though, be prepared!). For coffees I tried both the "Cafe de Olla Latte" and the "The Waves" latte. I thought both were delicious and I love the decorative foam art and the beautiful clay pots that came with both. Loved sitting outside, it was perfect weather, they have a beautifully decorated space (with lots of Mexican decor and plants galore), that is dog-friendly, but it was REALLY frustrating they decided to do construction work on a Sunday (on the entrance to the patio). The drilling and hammering was SO loud; everyone that stepped foot on the patio, turned right back around to sit inside (we didn't have that luxury because 1. It started after we sat down, and 2. We had our dog with us). REALLY would recommend reading the room, and doing construction during the week (way more appropriate). I had even called earlier that morning to inquire about seating with a dog, and it would have been nice to get a heads up on the current construction situation. I was there for an entire hour and it didn't stop once. Would definitely return for the food again- assuming the outside atmosphere was less noisy! Lovedddd this spot for brunch and coffee. read more

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Visited Aaktun and it was a really cute spot with a great aesthetic! It's a little loud inside though, so it can be hard to hear people at your table, but it's pretty solid as a date night spot. Our server was very attentive, and explained the menu to us with a lot of detail since we were new. She went through almost every dish even though we didn't ask for that much detail, but it was helpful. The food itself came out pretty quickly. I got the pork belly, and it was especially good. Their menu is also tapas style which makes it easy to share if there are a couple of things you want to try. Parking is tough since the area is always busy, so plan a few extra minutes to find a spot. Overall a fun place with great food and a charming atmosphere. read more

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Four of us had dinner here on a Sunday night for $160 + tax and tip. We made a reservation, though it wasn't necessary as there were plenty of open tables. The meal, service, and ambiance were all lovely, we will definitely be back. We've actually visited several times before, but those visits were for brunch and lunch. This was one of our first true dinner experiences. When you arrive, the parking lot is on the right side of the building, with plenty of spaces available. Walking in the front door, there's a coffee bar to the right. If you swing left and head toward the back, you gently descend a ramp into the large dining area. It's a beautiful space that immediately sets the tone for a great experience. We were seated promptly and service began right away, attentive without being intrusive. We ordered: * Curry Mussels with bread - this was excellent on its own. However, the bread was sweet and for some of us it was too sweet to dip into the sauce. * Ceviche - was probably our least favorite. It was not bad but just not memorable. It was also pricey for what we got. * Encocado del Mar - crispy skin salmon, shrimp, calamari, coconut tomato sauce, collard greens, sushi rice. This was ordered by our pescatarian and was delicious. * Bavette Saltado - marinated bavette steak, yuca frita, tomato, onion, cilantro, salted sauce, white rice, aji amarillo. Also excellent. * Fish Tacos. Appreciated the corn tortillas. These were excellent. Much like Little Bull, which we coincidentally visited around the same time with an out-of-town guest, there's an intriguing blend of Mexican and Asian influences in the flavors. Everything was vibrant, layered, and fun to share as a table. The dishes were flavorful without being overwhelming, and each had its own personality. Highly recommend for an early dinner, at least on Sundays, they close at 8:30 p.m. as I recall. We'll absolutely return. read more

What I recommend: The breakfast sandwich on a brioche bun Aaktun was fantastic. I stopped in for a quick breakfast and was blown away by how good their breakfast sandwich was. It came on a soft brioche bun with a perfectly fluffy egg, crispy bacon, and ripe in-season avocado. Everything came together perfectly, and it's easily one of the best and most unique breakfast sandwiches I've had. It's a little messy, but in the best way possible. The flavors were fresh, balanced, and clearly made with care. Loved it here and would definitely come back for another breakfast. read more

Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Bacon egg and cheese with avocado - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Aaktun, just wow. From the great drinks and food, gorgeous ambiance (the color scheme and plant collection are a joy to look at!), and nice service, what more could you ask for in a coffee shop/restaurant? Thoroughly enjoyed my mushroom omelet with toast and cheesy potatoes. My friend had a sando and liked it! Our drinks were delicious. I'm not a huge coffee fan but I loved the espresso that was in my peppermint Abuela hot chocolate and would get it again! Overall, this is a great spot for brunch or a nice coffee and I would come back again. read more

Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Omelet - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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This was my first visit. We ordered coffee and breakfast at the counter and ate it outside. Everything was really yummy! The B.E.C. sandwich was very big and messy. I had to eat it with a fork and knife. Pumpkin spice latte was also good. Prices were a little high for breakfast but seemed standard for downtown Durham. My latte was $8 and sandwich was $15. More of something I'd do for an occasional treat. I'd like to come back and sit inside with table service to try some other things! read more

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Aaktun is a lovely, tiki-inspired restaurant hidden behind an unassuming cafe storefront. Upon entering the cafe, go to your left and walk down the decorated hallway to teleport yourself to Mexico. The vibes of the seating area were very cool, with plants dispersed throughout and a live DJ playing music. Our party of 4 came in for a Sunday lunch with no reservation and got seated right away. Drinks - we ordered different lattes and Cafe de Olla to try, all were good and nicely presented, and came from the cafe in the front. Food - Breakfast sandwiches were very fluffy and the brioche bread was rich: ordered the B.E.C. and Shrooms sandwiches. Also got the Totchos Supreme which is essentially nachos with tater tots instead of chips. Great breakfast item and the tots were nice and crispy! The star of the show was the shrimp and grits made with purple grain: the sauce had lots of flavor and a kick to it, and the shrimp cooked perfectly. The ambiance combined with the quality of food and drink makes Aaktun an easy brunch favorite in Durham! read more

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From the moment I stepped inside Aaktun Coffee & Bar on a random weekday, I was pulled into a world inspired by rich Mayan history. Forget what you think you know about coffee shops; this place is a hidden gem. While the cafe buzzes at the front, the true dining experience unfolds down a hallway in a secluded, cave-like space. It's an escape, a tranquil spot where natural light spills from high ceilings to illuminate vibrant green plants, creating an ambiance so unique and captivating that I wished the designer could plan my own home. My culinary journey started with the Canela Crunch with oat milk. This drink was a delightful surprise, not overly sweet, with the playful addition of Cinnamon Toast Crunch pieces that I happily chugged down. It was delicious, but next time, I'm already eyeing the intriguing Brown Pantera espresso. For my main course, I went for the shrimp and grits, and it did not disappoint. The dish was absolutely delicious, with just the right amount of mild spice. The sauce was hearty and deeply flavorful, making for a very filling and satisfying meal. While the side of bread--Hawaiian rolls, I think--wasn't my favorite pairing with the dish, the shrimp and grits themselves are a masterpiece I would highly recommend. The menu is full of so many tempting options that I honestly want to try everything. This spot is a total win. I even bought a gift card for my parents, which can be used at three sister locations: Mezcalito, Little Bull, and Tataco. I'll definitely be trying them all someday. I will 100% be back to Aaktun--it's more than a restaurant; it's an immersive experience for both your taste buds and your soul. read more

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Aaktun - Durham, NC Aaktun is one of those Durham gems you don't want to miss. The atmosphere is fun, lively, and full of creative décor that instantly puts you in a good mood. Be prepared for a bit of a wait if you don't have a reservation--it's a popular spot for a reason! The food is outstanding. The shrimp and grits were my favorite--perfectly cooked with layers of flavor--and the bavette saltado was equally delicious. The drinks are top-notch, and the staff is friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even better. And whatever you do, don't skip dessert. The passion fruit cheesecake is to die for! Amazing tropical flavors, a little tart, but absolutely perfect with the creamy cheesecake. Definitely one of my new favorite restaurants in Durham. Highly recommend! read more

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We'd been for brunch and had a good time, especially with the DJ. The coffee options are interesting and food was solid - especially the curry chicken. But dinner was the real star of the show. The drinks are photo worthy and backed up by taste. We shared everything family style including apps, entrees, and desserts. All of the plates were picked clean by the time we left! read more

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We ate at Aaktun for the first time today. What a great place! The miso maitai was delicious notes of sweet, with a hint of peanuts. We also had the O.G Ritchie, the Tempura fish tacos, and the Aaktu Un pancakes! One super amazing treat all around! read more

Can't wait to come back here to try more of their menu and cocktails. We were here for brunch, so dinner will definitely our next visit. Service was attentive and friendly. We've been to Playa del Carmen several times and always stay in an Airbnb we like so we can experience the local restaurants. Playa has a large Mayan population, and the atmosphere here reminded us of some of the restaurants there, which we loved. The food is unique and creative. I was craving a Bloody Mary, and then I caught the Green Maria on the menu and went with that...best version of a Bloody Mary I've ever had. The tomatillo syrup base makes it lighter than your typical Bloody Mary, with a slight tang balanced by the heat of the hot pepper bitters. Thankfully they weren't cheap, or I could have had a few more. One suggestion when ordering. If you're not a fan of mayonnaise or aioli, ask for the white sauce on the side. I love it, my wife not so much, and it's on many things on the menu. read more

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Tropical-inspired spot with a coffee shop on one side and a bar/restaurant on the other. We didn't have a lunch reservation but still got a table (though I'd recommend booking ahead). The menu leans Latin fusion with global influences. Drip coffee was bold, my horchata latte was fine, but the sandwiches really steal the show--the mushroom sandwich was toasted, flavorful, and delicious. I had the lomo saltado, which was very delicious but a bit heavy on the sauce for my taste. Service was friendly and somewhat attentive. We'd definitely come back for the sandwiches alone! read more

Awesome restaurant in Durham. The aesthetic and interior is astounding, and it transports you to a different world. The brunch is pretty heavy (as are most brunches around here) but satisfying and delicious. I love how they incorporate Mexican influences in their food too. Definitely a trendy place as well. Try to snag one of the booths under the arches - they require a party size though. I tried the fluffy scrambled egg sando - the bread and eggs were incredibly rich and fluffy, and that alone is super filling and delicious. Also had the shrimp and grits and OG tater tots. I love that they used purple corn grits - those were probably the highlight of the meal for me. Very savory, buttery, smooth and nutty. read more

Outstanding ambiance to this place! The booths are such an awesome design which provide a measure of privacy and yet with decent acoustics to be able to hear your party talk. This place had a live DJ while we were there, music wasn't too loud where you couldn't carry on a conversation. Our server was chill and not pushy or rushing us to order. The food itself was top notch. It was flavorful with a nice presentation, decent portion size for the cost. Overall this place is up there for a date night or another special occasion. read more

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I've been twice now and everything has been delicious both times. It's such a beautiful thing when you find a spot serving a different cuisine--Latin-inspired, I believe--and it's soooo good. I honestly feel like there aren't many places locally like this, which makes it even more special. The restaurant itself is super cute, the prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get, and the quality is there. They offer both a lunch and a dinner menu, and I've tried each--no misses. I'd recommend this place over and over again. read more

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I have been to this place twice, and both visits meet my standards. The staff is very supportive and give great recommendations. The interior design is great, and depending on the weather you can sit outside. They have a cafe connected which i've yet to try. The restaurant is great. The food is delicious. A staff member recommended coming on Sundays, before business. overall this place had great options. I tried a blueberry matcha which was a great suggestion, and it was delicious. I enjoyed everything. I will be coming again. read more

PLEASE GO for the dinner experience. Every single thing on the menu was sooooo good. My cousin and I got the whole menu and just tried everything. Even the grilled romaine, which I was a little hesitant about, was SO good. Same with the ceviche, skewers, brussel sprouts and omg the main courses were AMAZING! One was steak (similar flavoring as brussel sprouts) then the other was salmon, shrimp, calamari in a coconut curry. A BOMB 10/10!!! Service was wonderful. It became a little bit of a joke bc I asked for the cocktail of the week and they were out, then I wanted prosecco and somehow they were out? But she took everything in stride bc the bar did seem unusually backed up. Wish I got the servers name bc she was great. The ambiance is soooo cute! Pictures included:) Almost perfect overall experience. read more

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Aaktun is a gem in the area. The front of the building is a cute little coffee bar with a few pastries and breakfast items and the back is a beautiful restaurant. I have not tried the restaurant portion but the coffee is incredible. Yes, I went basic and got the pumpkin spice latte made with actual pumpkin puree and it was heaven! The staff were super friendly and gave recommendations. Definitely pop in for a pick-me-up! read more

Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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I visited Aaktun on a Saturday evening with some friends and had a great experience overall. The only downside was the parking. The lot next to the restaurant and nearby street parking were completely full, so I had to pay for parking at a nearby lot. Once inside, the atmosphere was beautiful--very well-designed with a Tulum-inspired, modern resort feel. Aaktun is a restaurant and bar with a separate coffee shop area (though I didn't try the coffee this time). Our server was friendly, attentive, and gave helpful recommendations. I ordered the Encocado del Mar, and it was fantastic. The salmon was perfectly cooked--moist and flaky with crispy skin--and served with a rich coconut tomato sauce. The dish also came with shrimp, calamari, collard greens, and rice, and everything was flavorful and well-portioned. Aside from the parking situation, I'd highly recommend Aaktun and definitely plan to come back--probably on a less busy night to avoid the crowds! read more

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Had another amazing meal at Aaktun! The ambiance is special and beautiful (this time it was decorated for Christmas!), the service was impeccable and the food was delicious. This time I ordered off the lunch menu and got the grilled romaine salad with steak- everything was prepared exquisitely! I also got an oat milk latte, which was wonderful. read more

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Fun tropical vibe, with quirky cave like booth tables. The waitress talked up the ceviche, but it looked prettier than it tasted (and I spotted maybe 5 small pieces of fish in the dish that cost $25!). The fish tacos were a generous size plate with a tasty sauce and fresh slaw on top, and reasonably priced at $22. The fish was nicely crunchy but a tad dry and overcooked. Our waitress was nice, but my coworker had to ask for her drink at least 3 times and it didn't show up until her meal was almost over! read more

Popped in late Friday morning. Grabbed the OG totchos and a cup of coffee. Totchos was ok. The sauce they slathered on was too much and overwhelmed everything else and left the whole pile soggy. Hot sauce was decent, avocado was good. Coffee was ok but not good enough to be $4. Staff was very nice. read more

Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I came to Aaktun for my 1st wedding anniversary brunch with my husband and had a really great experience. We had a reservation (which I'd recommend, it was busy when we arrived but much quieter by the time we left around 2 PM). Food highlights: Green Curry Chicken - flavorful, colorful, and a perfect mix of comfort + freshness. Bavette Saltado - well-seasoned and cooked nicely, good portion size. Breakfast Sandwich & Tots - the tots were extra crispy and the sandwich hit the spot. Café de Olla - loved the clay mug and the cinnamon-spiced flavor. Hot Chocolate - beautiful presentation and rich taste. Service: Our waitress was amazing! she was friendly, easy to talk to, and made great conversation. We ended up brainstorming holiday Latin cocktail ideas together (coquito variations, tres leches rum drink, etc.), which added a fun personal touch. Overall: The vibe is relaxed but intentional. Good food, good service, and a unique menu that makes you want to come back and try more. I'll definitely be back! read more

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