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Big Bad Breakfast - Durham

4.2 (149 reviews)
Closed • 7:00 am - 2:30 pm
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BIG BAD BREAKFAST - DURHAM ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for groups
Outdoor seating

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Entrance
Jaime S.

We decided to have breakfast on a beautiful Wednesday morning at Big Bad Breakfast. We were seated right away and Christie was our amazing server. We ordered shrimp and grits, a spinach and cheese omelette and biscuits and gravy. The food was ok, but not great. I would go back, but not in a hurry, nor would it be my first pick. There's plenty of seating and the service is great!

Crispy Hash Cake and Mild Bacon
Melissa H.

How perfect to have Faith as our server on Easter Sunday. Good meal. And cute interior! The mild bacon was a little salty to me and I was hopeful the hash brown would have some seasoning. It was cooked well but just potatoes no salt , pepper or anything. Nice brunch spot. I didn't eat a lot, but if you select meals you may have more flavors. My hubby liked the skillet and cheese grits. He said the OJ was fresh!! Winner-- No wait to be seated !! A definite plus.

Trisha L.

This place is exactly what Durham needed! I love the atmosphere and their breakfast offerings are delicious. I even got $10 off today for this being my birth month! Definitely sign up for their rewards.

Creole Omelet
Zaneta R.

Big Bad Breakfast in Durham has quickly become one of my favorite breakfast spots in the area. From the moment you walk in, the vibe is familiar in the best way. They are clearly leaning into the look and feel of a classic East Coast diner, with chrome details, comfy booths, and pops of color that give it that nostalgic, lived-in charm. It feels welcoming and casual, but with enough personality to make it feel fresh. The service was excellent. Everyone we interacted with was kind, upbeat, and went out of their way to make sure we were taken care of. It felt like they were happy we were there, which always makes the food taste better. I ordered the Creole Omelette, and it was so delicious. This dish was packed with flavor, loaded with shrimp, andouille sausage, onions, tomatoes, and cheddar. Topped with tomato gravy and scallions, it had just the right amount of spice and richness. A perfect diner-style omelette, elevated. My husband kept it simple with the Breakfast Plate and it was still a hit. Two eggs sunny-side up, thick-cut bacon, wheat toast, and a crispy hash cake that I definitely stole a few bites of. Everything was well-executed and satisfying. To drink, I had the Vietnamese Coffee, and it delivered. It was strong, sweet, and full of depth, just how I like it. Big Bad Breakfast nails classic diner vibes with seriously good food. We will absolutely be back.

Chicken and Waffles
Zay M.

I arrived at 10:46am on a Sunday for a date. I was told it would be a 10-15 min wait. We only waited about 5 minutes. Sarah was waitress who came a minute after being seated. We got the breakfast margarita and breakfast dude to drink, along with waters. We ordered food at 11:04am. Waitress said cocktails are almost ready. We got the flapjacks to share. I got chicken and waffle plus bacon. My date got mother of all biscuit and grits. The drinks came at 11:13am and food came at 11:17am. All of it was enjoyable with no complaints. I had enough to take home and eat later on that day. Service was good for how busy it was. I liked the back of the staff shirts, it made me giggle. I definitely would return !

Low Country Skillet
Pamela L.

I came to town for the Chris Brown concert, and before heading out, my friend and I wanted a good breakfast to wrap up the trip. After checking with the hotel front desk, we decided to try this spot -- and it did not disappoint. It was surprisingly busy for a Wednesday morning, but the service was still great. Our waitress was super polite and even gave us some helpful recommendations. The food was incredibly filling and downright comforting -- the kind of meal that makes you want to take a nap afterward because it's that good. I'll definitely be back anytime I'm in the area!

Hash Benny and a side of tossed greens
Samantha K.

Unexpected amazing experience. I don't frequent the Durham area too much. I come whenever my boyfriend is here for work. I sat at the bar because I had some work to do and plenty of seating was available. I was greeted immediately by the bartender and she grabbed me a water, cappuccino and I did have a mimosa as well. I was torn on what to order so she recommends the Hash Benny. I've worked in the restaurant industry at some brunch spots and would have never recommended a Benny because it's so hit or miss. BUT this was so damn good. Instead of an English muffin, the base is a crispy hash brown about an inch thick. The ham was a little charred and had good caramelization. It was sweet but savory. Probably one of the best brunch bites I've ever had. The team was really nice. It seemed like everyone was enjoying their shifts and also having fun with the guests. After I wrapped up my work and was speaking with the bartender, come to find out she is the director of operations, who would have thought?! But what I really enjoyed most was that she assisted me without adding in the extras of who she was and really seemed to care about my experience. I hope that this restaurant gets the recognition it deserves and when I'm back in the Durham area, I will come by again.

Love the play on words..
Roger L. B.

Always an Amazing experience mixed with great food! This time I tried the creole omelet with shrimp, sausage & a variety of vegetables & cheddar cheese along with a tomato gravy that pleasantly surprised me. I also had a side of grits which complemented the meal perfectly. My server was Ashley who had no problem showing off her knowledgeable skills as what was best from the kitchen and it was spot on! It was a beautiful and tranquil morning spent speaking with the staff and savoring the food as well as the atmosphere. I'll come again...(of course!)

Redneck Benny
Lindsay C.

We had a really great meal at Big Bad Breakfast! I've previously been to another location & loved it so that's what made us try out this new location. We were seated right away & they had a fun holiday beverage menu. Everyone's biscuits were soft and fluffy, eggs cooked to their liking & the meats were tender. Our waitress was helpful in answering questions about the different types of gravy's & drinks on the menu as well. We will definitely be back!

Lauren A.

I'm not a super big breakfast person and came here after a long night shift. Server was attentive and friendly and service was pretty quick. I got a skillet and it's deceitfully filling! Toast and spread were good relief from a heavier skillet meal. Took the rest to go and enjoyed it later!

Yard Work Skillet
Natalie Y.

Came here for breakfast! I got this yard work skillet with a biscuit that was really soft and not too dry~ it was very delicious and super filling! I loved the skillet. The avocado was a nice addition and it made the dish feel less heavy! Service was great! No complaints there The inside was casual and super packed inside. Filled with families eating around and having a good time!

Shrimp Poboy with tomato gravy

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

A waffle you can take home to your mother. Pleasant place to consume said waffle before you even have a chance to.

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1 year ago

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11 months ago

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2 years ago

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11 months ago

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1 year ago

Service and food. Steak was made to order. The biscuits were to die for with the blueberry jelly

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

had an amazing brunch and our server Jessica took very good care of us. Will definitely return again

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

I really liked their strawberry pancakes and the bacon!!! I let everyone at the table try it. Wasn't a big fan of the tomato grits sauce.

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

Tysen is great!! Very sweet and QUICK with her service too. Attentive to her tables as well she's awesome... will be coming back!

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Big Bad Breakfast - Durham - breakfast_brunch - Updated October 2026

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