Although I'm not a fan of sweet with savory, I finished everything on my plate : ) We had never tried chicken with waffles before and our server took us through the options and even brought out tasting samples of the different types of butter which were all amazing. It does seem like I'm mixing up brunch and dinner food items though in terms of the flavor profiles. However, the waffles were excellent and the fried chicken had incredible flavor. I'm still not completely sold on the combination but everything on the plate tasted perfect. Highly recommended. read more

We have been to Dame's Chicken & Waffles a few times at the old Downtown location, once to the Raleigh location, and now the "new" Durham location. This new East Durham location is a little smaller than the old one, but they kept the brick aesthetic and the same jazz décor; it has great vibes, but it can get a little noisy with large groups. They now have a small parking lot. The new building has charm, although the surrounding area feels industrial and somewhat run-down. One of the restaurant's windows was boarded up, broken glass had spread into the parking-lot entrance, and barbed wire was visible from our table. The chicken is always tangy and moist. I don't know what they put in the breading, but I'm like a moth to a flame to that stuff. The mac and cheese is some of the best in the Triangle. Our server, Lanyah, was a hustler! While there, she had 9 tables, and one of them was a large group of about 10 people. My wife and I each ordered A Classy Hen with a Baby Blueberry and a Peach Apricot Shmear. I liked the Peach Apricot better. My wife got fresh fruit as her side, which was mostly just orange slices. This, unfortunately, is the end of any positives. Because it was just Lanyah, the service was slow, and it appears from our various times coming to Dame's that slow service is the rule, not the exception. Our server said that it was typical to have just a single server, one cook, and a busser--who was not that helpful. Lanyah was still busing some tables and when there was a loud crash that sounded like dishes falling, she ran and checked on it herself. It took her a minute to get us water and then take our order, but it was understandable. She hugged my wife when we were leaving when we told her she deserved better. The cook was doing their best, but it took 48-minutes and 49 seconds to get our order after it was put in...yes, I timed it. One family walked out due to the long wait. There was another male staff member-I'm not sure whether he was the manager, but he spent most of the evening sitting in the bar area. He was not seating people, bringing out orders or drinks, or helping out our overwhelmed server. They were supposed to close at 7:30pm, but we walked out the door at 8:05pm and the large party was still there waiting for their food, with the other man still sitting in the bar. We want to love Dame's, but slow service just overshadows everything else that is positive. Until they hire an appropriate number of staff, we will not be back. read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Chicken and Waffles with blueberry shmear - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Dame's chicken and waffles is pretty good. The smears are delicious with so many options. The syrups also have options and would have loved to try the Calypso syrup but they ran out. We did get there at 3pm for a very late lunch so that's on us. Definitely recommend getting there earlier to make sure you get the sides and syrups you're interested in trying. The service was a little on the slower side but that's kind of what I expect with a popular place like this. It was still plenty of diners despite how late it was! There's a decent amount of seating and it's definitely on the cozier side with squeezing folks in. We are happy we were able to try this place and would definitely love to try it again in the future. read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Waffle with cinnamon vanilla smear and supposed to be Calypso syrup but they ran out. - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Great tasting chicken and waffles ! We came in from La and our son is playing at Usa baseball complex He had to try it! I have to say great customer service too!! A MUST TRY! And highly recommend it!! read more

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Dame's is in a new setting, serving tasty food and kind service. Maria was a helpful and friendly server who brought me the Buff Brahamas dish. Two large slightly-spicy and well-breaded chicken cutlets sat on my good waffle. The whiskey cream drizzle (syrup) added some gentle, earthy sweetness and I put the apricot shmear butter to brighten my waffle. I also got some collard greens to balance my flavorful meal. I also tried the Orange-Speckled Chabo chicken and waffles dish on sweet potato waffles with honey Dijon mustard that added mustard tang to complement well the chicken. For a treat, (we had lamented that we hadn't tried the gingerbread waffle), a kind staff person brought us some yummy gingerbread waffle for dessert. Yum! read more

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Was in the area for a business meeting and decided to stop by Dame's for lunch. They have fairly quick service which worked out since I was on a time crunch. I had two cutlets of chicken on a classic waffle with maple pecan shmear and breakfast syrup and it was an amazing flavor combination. The chicken was juicy, crispy and huge and paired well with the sweetness from the waffle and maple pecan shmear. I do which the shmear had a bit of a stronger flavor as it was overpowered by the syrup, but overall great spot and would definitely come again if in the area. read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The restaurant is in a new location. It's easy to miss after crossing the railroad tracks. Parking is in a dirt and gravel fenced in area. I had to was my car after leaving from the restaurant. The restaurant is small. There is one bathroom for each gender. There is a separate section for Togo orders. I waited longer than expected for my food (45 minutes). I ordered two cutlets and one sweet potato waffle. The cutlets were salty and over seasoned. The waffle tasted ok, but was nothing to brag about. Staff had a flat affect and were moving like robots. I did not feel welcomed. Prices were affordable, and the restaurant was almost filled to capacity. Tables are close to each other with little elbow room. read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I got the sweet potato waffle with fried chicken surely. U chose the peach mango butter. I ordered it in Uber eats and my order was ready promptly. It was around $16. The waffle tasted a bit different than a normal waffle you can make from the hotel breakfast waffle machines. Maybe that's the sweet potato part. The chicken cutlet was good a little small for what I expected. It was seasoned well, but nothing that I would go back specifically for. I think the standout was the fruit butter spread it came with. Maybe this place was overhyped or I didn't order the right thing? read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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The coffee sizes are INSANE, but love to see it. Very yummy options for waffle types, shmears (IYKYK), drizzles, you name it! Service is wonderful. You really feel like you're in your Uncle or Grandma's house with the warmth of the people. Was able to get a table with ease on a walk-in over the weekend. Noise level is what you would expect. A great place for a brunch group of 4-6. I'm already dreaming of a Sweet potato waffle with chocolate hazelnut/Maple pecan shmear - the combinations are endless! It goes without saying, 100% would return. read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Three Drumsticks on a gingerbread waffle - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This place is authentic southern breakfast food. I love it every time I go. Very rich and filling.

What I recommend: The chicken wings with Pete's hot sauce Dame's Chicken and Waffles is a downtown Durham classic and a great spot if you're craving some southern comfort food. The chicken wings might look a little plain, but don't let that fool you. They pack a serious punch, and pairing them with Pete's hot sauce takes them to another level. It's my go-to order every time. I came here with my brother and he couldn't stop talking about the waffles, which are just as good as everyone says. The collard greens were a miss for me and the mac and cheese could use a little more flavor, but the chicken more than makes up for it. Overall, Dame's is an awesome spot for a hearty meal and one of the best places in Durham for chicken and waffles. read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Chicken wings, Collar Greens, Mac and cheese - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Came here for dinner to try their chicken and waffles. The place was pretty empty when we came, however, the food took a really long time to come out. To be fair, the chicken did taste really fresh, and it was delicious and perfectly fried. I got the sweet potato waffle, which I felt was a little bit, bitter, truthfully, and if I came again, I would definitely get the regular waffle. The place also smelled a little bit like cigarette smoke when we went. All in all not about experience, but probably would not go back. read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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The food and the service is outstanding. I Highly recommend this restaurant. Great atmosphere also.

I wanted to love it Good: ordered chicken and waffles and a cocktail. The food was just okay, not the best chicken and waffles I've had. Service: the food took a really long time! Service was extremely slow and confusing. My vegan partner had a hard time placing an order as they were weird about some of the substitutions and they ended up brining out the wrong order for that dish but didn't really do anything to change or remedy that. I didn't feel the meals were worth the price listed. They charge extra for syrup as the waffles come with butter only which was also odd, as I've never had a place charge or your serving of syrup with you waffles Ambiance: it is a nice open space with plenty of seating. Upbeat vibe with a lot of chattering. read more

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The food and service is always great here. I enjoy it occasionally and will definitely be back. The artwork encourages great conversation amongst the table. read more

I came for an early dinner with my wife and friends. Wow....coming in talking to staff made us feel so welcome and comfortable. The menu simple and wonderful, chicken and a waffle, a shmear of maple and syrup made mine taste so good. The walls covered of pictures and articles of the long success of the restaurant. A comfortable place to be with friends and family. A long time Durham restaurant that is oh so good. read more

I took my family to Dames for the first time and everyone was pleased and haven't stopped talking about their food since. We drove from Charlotte NC to try them and they had a line out the door. Of course we waited and it was worth every minute. I had the chicken wings with sweet potato waffle and almond vanilla schmear. I almost ate the plate But seriously if you're thinking about trying Dames don't think any longer, Go. Just make sure you make that reservation read more

Today I ordered an omelet and apparently there was a struggle with the cook keeping the egg together bc I was served a bowl of what I say look like dog food I was very disappointed The wait was too long and my mimosa was not good read more

Went there with office colleagues during the summer, during lunch time. Loved how they have so many options to choose from. Best part was how you can customize it, whichever way you want. Ambience & service were awesome. Another part that I also liked was that they served halal chicken, which actually made me come here. I'll definitely recommend this to my friends & family, and bring them here soon. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to take a photo, but won't forget to take 'em when I'm back here, with my fam. read more

The chicken was crispy and well-seasoned (a bit too salty for my personal taste). The waffle was soft and the batter had a hint of cinnamon. The orange honeycomb shmear was delicious! The sweet citrus flavor pairs well with the savory chicken and waffle. The collard greens side had a slight kick to it. The staff was very friendly. I came on a Sunday morning half an hour after they opened and it was quite empty. There is bar seating and regular tables. read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Orange speckled chabo - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Good spread flavors. Hit or miss honestly depending on the day and time. I would probably go back

1 Star Unacceptable Experience at Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Raleigh, NC (530 Foster St) We visited Dame's Chicken & Waffles at 530 Foster Street, Raleigh, at 10:00 AM with a friend and his 3-year-old son. From the moment we walked in, the service was indifferent at best and downright dismissive at worst. We were denied a table in the center of the restaurant without any explanation, even though there were clearly open seats. When we finally sat down, I politely asked to substitute the waffle (which I medically cannot eat) with 3 eggs instead of 2. The server sharply replied, "We don't do substitutions," with zero flexibility or care. We let it go and placed our orders--or so we thought. Over 40 minutes later, we still hadn't received any food. I went up to the server to ask what was going on, and she was completely clueless. Eventually, we realized she never even entered our order. Meanwhile, another table seated 10 minutes after us had already received their full meals. No apology, no acknowledgment, no attempt to fix it. We left and went to the food hall next door, where the experience was infinitely better--faster, friendlier, and far more professional. This was not just bad service. It was a complete failure of basic competence--made even worse because we had a small child with us. It reflects a lack of training, poor management, and a complete disregard for guests. I will never return to this location, and I strongly urge others to take their business elsewhere. A restaurant is more than just its menu--it's the people and the experience. And here, both were a total disaster. read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Identifying the branch . - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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If you're in Durham and haven't hit up Dame's Chicken & Waffles, you're doing it wrong. This place is everything! The chicken? Straight-up amazing--crispy, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. Pair that with their fluffy waffles, and you're looking at a plate that's nothing short of magic. And don't even get me started on the schmears--they take the whole meal to another level. The vibe inside is laid-back but still buzzing, like a spot that knows it's the go-to for comfort food done right. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Dame's is the kind of spot you'll keep coming back to. Trust me, this is the real deal! read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Chicken wings - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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I couldn't wait till my plate was done to leave a review. I downloaded an app just to give it this rating! The waffles are a great size! The shmear spread actually spread really well ( !! ) and the flavor of it soaked into it amazingly! The chicken, you can tell, is homemade! delicious! The Mac and cheese was so flavorful! No offense to others but this had seasoned flavor! Didn't know that was possible (lol) I enjoyed it very much. All together I enjoyed myself and our server! His name was Zuri and the place was really relaxing. We got to see a train going by and I got to show my niece! Thank y'all for the great food and great time there! read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Orange Speckled Chabo A cutlet, sweet potato waffle 3, some good old Mac and cheese on the side - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

An excellent spot for brunch! The chicken and waffles are outstanding with several drizzle choices and sauces. The service was very friendly and attentive. If you're in the mood for good southern comfort breakfast or lunch be sure to stop by! Also, be sure to come back over at their new location on 455 South Driver Street in Durham! read more

Chicken and waffles were a staple for me when I lived in the South! Glad that I got a chance to check out the Durham classic, Dame's Chicken & Waffles. I love how they have lots of different options for chicken, waffle, syrup, and flavored butter. They cook to order so the chicken came out pipping hot. I actually appreciated how they served us with most of the chicken pieces, but gave us more freshly fried chicken in the middle so our food was always warm. The four leghorns featured 4 drum sticks and a chocolate walnut spread. The batter was not too heavy. The meat was tender, juicy, and flavorful. The waffle was fine and didnt taste that much different from my partner's sweet potato waffle. The chicken wings were good but I still preferred the legs. The spreads and syrups were interesting but I think I still prefer the traditional syrup and butter. For sides, the collard greens actually had a nice kick to them. The cheese grits were fine and could have been more seasoned. The sweet tea definitely took me down memory lane and loved how they can do half and half (half unsweetened, half sweetened)! I've heard lines can be really long but my party of 9 were lucky that the additional dining room in the back was available. Our server was polite and informative. Its important to know that all menu items are based on the chicken!! You can modify your waffles, spreads, etc but same chicken. Food came out at a reasonable time for our large party. Overall tasty chicken for sure but the waffles didn't speak to me as much. read more

"What a Classy Hen?" Is what I ordered but substituted the maple-pecan shear. It was DELICIOUS! I ate every last bite and was very happy and would order the same again. Reasons I loved it: boneless chicken, sweet shmear, waffle & regular syrup contrasted the fried chicken perfectly. I ordered collard greens as my side and they were very tasty as well. My friends loved their choices as well, although I don't recall their order. The service was very friendly & very patient explaining the menu. She was willing to provide lots of suggestions. The ambiance is a mixture of chill and a tiny bit bougie. The venue appears to have maybe been an Asian restaurant in the past. I opted for street parking which I think is metered on weekdays but I'm uncertain as I was just visiting the area for a few hours. read more

Really good food, the waffle was just okay and the chicken legs were stellar! The service was good, our waiter was very nice! And it was slightly chilly inside, but the people there were all social. read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The chicken definitely tastes like your mom/grandma made it. The ask ya momma drizzle is a perfect compliment to the chicken. I wasn't a fan of the waffle, I like a crispier waffle but it had good flavor. The Mac and cheese was also great with the chicken. read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - The Carolina cockerel - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Cool neighborhood. Paid street parking with 2-hour max. Nice decor inside and friendly wait staff. I came for the chicken and waffles. They have a design-your-own plate with different kinds of waffles, compound butters (they call them shmears), and chicken (wings or fillets). Upcharge for "drizzle" for chicken, which came in a plastic cup on the side. Optional sides are available, but I didn't try any because I figured what I ordered was plenty for lunch. The wings are naked and have a nice coating. It tasted fine and I dunked morsels in the sauce, which was just okay. The waffles were nothing special, and the compound butter was also just okay. No drink or anything else, out the door for $18-ish, which is kind of pricy for lunch for one. It is unlikely that I would return. read more

I was passing through Durham, NC and was told that this place was an absolute must. My fiancé and I decided to swing by. We went closer to store closing but was seated within a few minutes. The menu is very repetitive. It is mostly chicken and waffles as a base with different combinations of flavored schmear (spread). I ordered The Buff Brahamas and was very pleased. The waffles was good, but the chicken cutlet was spectacular. It was well seasoned and crispy but not overly salty. The apricot schmear was very subtle and spready very easily on the waffle. It all works really well with each other. We also ordered the mac and cheese and southern grits with cheese. Both sides were just okay. I don't think I'd get both again. Flavor fell very flat. read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Stopped here for lunch on a Saturday and even at 2 pm, there was a wait. Comfortable open dining area, ladies room very clean. We ordered a tequila sunrise, a big breakfast and a hold the waffle with two sides. The cutlet was very good, juicy. The mac and cheese was pretty disappointing, lacked flavor. Fruit cup was pineapple and orange with one strawberry. The butters are pricey, $1.50 each. Kind of surprised. The strawberry lemonade was delicious. Our server Isaac was funny, friendly and attentive. Parking was a bit of a hassle, we found a pay parking lot and grabbed a $5 spot. Overall, a pretty average meal. Lunch for two was $58! Not sure I'd visit again. read more

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Slow service, but great chicken and waffles!! It's kind of the only option for food but if that's what you're looking for then it's perfect. Lots of creative flavors and varieties of cuts of chicken for everyone. Easily modifiable as well read more

A Durham classic! The chicken and waffles are amazing! Came here multiple times, usually there is no wait. The interior is nice, and the service is great! Any chicken and waffle is a great combination. The chicken is tender and the waffle is fluffy! Id recommend the cinamon butter - that with the maple syrup is amazing! I would definitely come back. read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Chicken and waffles - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The service is HORRIBLE. We arrived at around 4:45pm and still waited for our order at 6:51pm. We walked in and sat at the table with no one even greeting us. Will NOT be back! read more

The food was amazing. The cutlets with a waffle and vanilla shmear was spectacular. As a music fan I love the ambience with all the jazz and soul influence in the building. The service was so nice they were very helpful in guiding as through what we should order. The customization of the menu can be a little complicated but with some questions you should be able to figure it out. 4.5/5 read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Chicken cutlet, The Classic Waffle, vanilla Maple-Pecan Shmear, Mac and cheese - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Dame's used to be my gold standard for chicken and waffles years ago. I moved to the PNW in 2017 and never had chicken and waffles as good again. I happen to be in town for the holidays and thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get the chicken and waffle scratch itched, but was left pretty disappointed and underwhelmed. I got "the frizzled fowl" and it was so mid. The waffle was straight up rubbery and dense. Not like the fluffy, airy waffles with the nice crunchy edges that I remember. The waffle was also not hot enough, making the shmear just collect in the pockets--not a pleasant eating experience. The panko crusted cutlet was fried too long and the chicken borderline dry. They also didn't have any maple syrup left in the whole restaurant so you're left to use high fructose corn syrup sauce or the drizzle as your waffle dressing... Speaking of drizzle, the kpop drizzle sounded like it would pair so well with the cutlet but it was such a generic sweet and sour sauce flavor; really unimpressed. Sadly this place seems like it either has in fact gone down hill or maybe a very off day. My friend that was trying it for the first time left saying that they wouldn't come back. read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Mac n cheese side--not good imo. I don't think the overwhelming rosemary herb flavor pairs well with it. - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I love Dames. The food is great! But this new location is absolutely terrible. 40 minutes over pick up time and same people ahead of us. We gave up. If you place an order for pick up, maybe call beforehand to check on it or just wait about an hour prior to picking up. Parking situation was bad, as well. People threatened us when we had hazards on and yelled for us to move. Very unfortunate situation, and again EXCELLENT food, just not so great location anymore. read more

The food was horrible! I was soooooo disappointed! Dame's was the joint when I was in college. This was my first time visiting this new location in Durham. I talked the place up to my family, and I was so embarrassed at the quality of the food. The shrimp and grits had a 1/2 inch of grease floating on the top. The waffle was cold, soft, and doughy. The smear did not even melt a little because the waffle was so cold. The chicken tasted bad and so did the homemade potato chips. They tasted like dirty grease. I drove allll the way from Maryland and no one enjoyed their meal. Like I said, I was soooooo embarrassed and completely disappointed. read more

Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Shrimp and Grits. It was swimming in grease! - Southern Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I took the ladies in my family out to Dame's Chicken & Waffles. This is hands down my favorite location to date!! We were greeted to heavy jazz inspirations and waited by a lovely new server (Abigail). She did an amazing job, the manager was awesome and was willing to assist his staff. Let me just say the chicken cutlet was juicy, full of flavor!! Adding the shmears and drizzle take these plates to another level. The signature mac & cheese, potato salad & greens are perfectly portion side dishes. They aren't heavily seasoned so if you have food concerns you should be safe. If you're looking for a filling southern styled meal this should be #1 on your list!! read more

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