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    Nanas

    4.2 (59 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Nanas Photos

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    NANAS ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Nanas

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    Hot chocolate soufflé
    Jazmin R.

    Service was phenomenal. We had a work group of about 10 and the server was phenomenal with keeping up with our group. I didn't get a pic of the buttermilk rolls but our entire group raved about those - would highly recommend trying them! I got the NC chicken that was pan roasted very well. It was crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. We also got a few desserts but the one I wanted to try and really enjoyed was the hot chocolate soufflé - it's rich but very good Something to note, the parking around here isn't the greatest so make sure to give yourself a few minutes to grab parking if you're meeting someone.

    Steak Tartare
    Dan D.

    Had a *great* meal at Nanas in Durham. The menu has French & Italian inspired dishes that added an NC influence with local ingredients. [e.g., benne seed? super cool] The service was top-tier with an awesome server backed-up with a supporting team on assist. Nanas has an art deco influenced, white-table cloth dining room; it's casually cool. Very much recommended.

    Warm Buttermilk Dinner Rolls
    Zaneta R.

    Nana's is a true Durham classic that absolutely lives up to the hype. It's the kind of place that reminds you why dining out can be such a special experience. Thoughtful service, elegant but not stuffy ambiance, and a menu that reads like a love letter to seasonal, Southern-inspired cuisine. The decor has that cozy-yet-refined charm you want for a date night or celebration dinner. Warm lighting, white tablecloths, and just enough vintage flair to make the space feel timeless. It's intimate without being pretentious, and you can tell a lot of care has gone into creating an experience that feels elevated but never overdone. What I love most about Nana's, besides the food of course, is the pacing and service. The staff makes you feel like a welcomed guest without hovering. Courses come out perfectly timed, and they're more than happy to offer wine pairings or thoughtful suggestions if you're having trouble narrowing down your picks. Now for the good stuff -- the food. Nana's delivers dish after dish that is beautifully composed and absolutely bursting with flavor. Some of my personal standouts: The Warm Buttermilk Dinner Rolls with cultured butter and sea salt are deceptively simple but unforgettable. Soft, warm, and just the right touch of saltiness, they set the tone perfectly for the meal ahead. The Yellowfin Tuna Carpaccio is incredibly fresh, with bright notes from the shallot, chive, and piquillo pepper vinaigrette. The pickled guindilla peppers give it a subtle kick, and the crispy benne seed grissini adds just the right amount of crunch. The Scallop Milanese is a showstopper, delicious breaded scallops served with additional tender bay scallops in a rich beurre fondue, accented with capers, parsley, and a splash of Meyer lemon that keeps it feeling light and luxurious. If pasta is your thing, do not skip the Spaghetti Nero. The NC shrimp are plump and perfectly cooked, the tomato confit and spring garlic add depth, and the pangrattato gives the dish a satisfying texture and pop of lemon. The Crispy Niman Ranch Lamb Shoulder is another standout, deeply savory and perfectly tender. It's served with sweet onion lamb pancetta, Lyon Farm's creamed spinach, and the most delightful mushroom raviolo that ties it all together. And if you've saved room for dessert, which I highly recommend you do, the Hot Chocolate Soufflé, served with Bourbon-Caramel Ice cream and Hot Fudge, is an absolute dream. It arrives warm and pillowy with a deep, rich chocolate flavor that's balanced and not too sweet. A perfect way to end an unforgettable meal. All in all, Nana's is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression. Every bite feels intentional, every dish crafted with care. It's a Durham gem I'll return to again and again.

    Fish of the day with eyes and lots of bones despite supposedly being deboned
    Lori D.

    I have been wanting to try this restaurant for a while. We decided to check it out finally on a date night yesterday. We went early as we were going to DPAC. We were seated just outside the host stand and it was empty. Weird but ok. The rest of the time we were distracted by a very bored wait staff wandering around. Our waitress was great answering all our questions. They even have a vegan menu. We are choosy carnivores but a nice touch. We started with the twice baked grits on the vegan menu. Amazing. And the little lettuces. Yummy. I had the champagne old fashioned. I don't get it. Tasted like a watery old fashioned without bubbles. I had the fish. It was $50!! But decided to go for it as it sounded amazing. Not so much. The sauce was what made it. It was supposed to be deboned and I kept crunching on bones. Gross. Brought it to the waitress' attention and she said she would tell them. No manager, no discount, no follow up. Won't be back.

    Main dining area
    Glenn G.

    We had been to Nanas several time before but this was our first time since it was sold to local restaurateur Matt Kelly. Parking is always tight in this little strip but our reservations were early and we pulled in easily. Nanas still has that old-school vibe with a dark-paneled bar up front and two cozy dining areas. We ordered the famous dinner rolls and grilled oysters, both delicious. And then we waited, and waited, and waited. It took an unusually long time to get our entrees. We were here celebrating our anniversary and noted it on our reservation. The restaurant and our server didn't do anything special but then I overhead another server asking her table if they were celebrating anything. We got the tagliatelle with duck ragout entree and Scottish salmon entree and while both were nicely prepared, we would have enjoyed slightly larger portions. One other note: I know staff are trained to upsell but our waitress seemed a little too eager to recommend the most expensive items, or to suggest that we order two appetizers. I still recommend Nana's but a few of those little details kept this from being a five-star review.

    Sydney H.

    The inside of Nana's was very cool- eclectic and it had a retro vibe to it. The server was nice and walked us through some of the menu items and their recommendations. We ordered a cocktail and it was delicious (don't remember the name of it, but it had ginger beer in it). A person came around and gave each person at our table literally one piece of focaccia bread on our plate and olive oil to share. For how expensive this restaurant was, i would've expect them to give us a little more than just a piece of bread, maybe a bread basket would've been nicer, so that was a little disappointing. the bread was absolutely delicious though, so i will give them that. For our entrees, we got the gnocchi and a spaghetti dish, we asked our server if the portion of the spaghetti would've been enough for dinner and they said it should be fine. Personally, the size of the pasta entrees were NOT worth the price at all. We finished the meal in just a few bites. However, the dishes itself were good, we definitely wish the portions were just a little big bigger. We ended our dinner with some creme brûlée and it was tasty, nothing special about it. Sadly, between the one piece of bread and our individual entrees, we left our dinner not fully satisfied. There were parking spaces in front of the restaurant and behind the building and did not have trouble finding parking.

    Carrot cake sundae
    Susan B.

    We had a great dining experience at Nanas! Love the retro decor and the service was impeccable. The drinks were spot on and unique and the food was delicious. Must try the Caught in the Rain. A twist on your pina colada. The desserts were all yummy. I didn't get a pic of the chocolate soufflé because it disappeared so quickly!

    Perfect temperature
    Donna H.

    What a great experience- chill atmosphere, good service, great steaks! Save room for fresh, string coffee and seasonal desserts.

    a large group of people sitting at a bar
    Ron W.

    Made it into Nanas 2.0 which opened up this week. This classic restaurant has re-opened after a pandemic-induced break and has been renovated and revamped. While the exterior remains the same (plain jane), the interior is beautiful. Sporting a 70s or 80s retro vibe, the woodwork and lighting at the main bar is fabulous. The menu is ecelectic, seasonal, I did the classic shrimp risotto and duck tagliatelle. Service was solid as I would expect to be at these price points. Didn't make it to the chocolate souffle which takes 20 minutes to bake. But overall, super impressed with Nanas in Durham and can't wait to get back!

    Ravioli on top of lamb! Why? Why not? I think the green is spinach.
    Paul M.

    I think it is terrific! I would say the portions are a little small but they can make very interesting meals and weird cocktails! As my mom noticed, there seems to be an abundance of servers! Maybe they are doing some training. This place has gone through a lot of trouble in recent years. The new setup seems good!

    Chicken

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    1 year ago

    Hands down my favorite Durham restaurant- do yourself a favor and get the grit soufflé...chefs kiss

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    The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge

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    Great small bites. I recommend you trying the Elote dip it was AMAZING and perfect for sharing with…read moretwo or more friends! They have great drink specials for different days of the week! Very speedy service all of their bartenders are very sweet and will fix whatever drink to your liking The vibes are disco balls on the ceiling very open very Miami Beach vibes they have an indoor and an outdoor seating area not only that they have fireplaces. If you get a little too far from their heated porch area! The vibes just don't stop. They have an aesthetic fireplace in side as well as a fake tree in the middle beautiful for taking pictures Their bathrooms are adorable, but you might have to wait a little bit on a busy day. But this is the same problem with every bar. Very glad that they have more than one bathroom.

    Okay, so wow. Durham has upped its game in terms of its social scene. We got to the VH at like 9?…read more9:30? on a Friday night and the line to get in was down at least one flight of stairs to the second floor. It did move fast for us so we were able to get in about 10 minutes later or so. It was latin night so the music was tailored to that so I won't comment on what that was like. The outdoor patio was wonderful. Not too loud. Some good seating options. You can access the bar from out there too. Took awhile to get to order while waiting in line. I had something purple... french 75? It was just okay. Jell-o shots were made with MEZCAL that night which my group found sooo gross. So beware. Overall I see the hype. But when we left around 10:30 or so the line was down the stairs, out the door, and down the block. I don't know if it was worth THAT.

    Conniption Bar & Lounge

    Conniption Bar & Lounge

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    Conniption is a really cool place. They have an awesome speakeasy atmosphere and do a great job…read moreadding fun holiday decorations. The staff was really friendly too. If you enjoy gin, I can't imagine you'll find a better local gin distillery within 100 miles either. It's very smooth and they do a great job pairing it with smart ingredients in their cocktail list.

    Well, a relatively new spot at RDU to take your money in exchange for waiting for your flight…read more The people working here are outstanding although I am only comparing them to those at other establishments at the airport. Definitely high stars for customer service. They could work anywhere I think and be noteworthy. The drinks were solidly on the "ho-hum" scale. Nothing out of the ordinary. In all fairness, I only tried one and maybe if I had a second, I would be more impressed. For the drink (espresso martini), the espresso beans floating in the glass were an unexpected fun addition, but they didn't have much flavor. Maybe after the alcohol, I should have expected that. If I sound "meh" -- yeah -- it was that. The food started out almost the same way, but as I worked my way through it, it got a bit better. The tempura squash is almost like light fried ravioli. While okay, I would have preferred more flavor from the squash rather than from the marinara sauce. It still didn't overwhelm me with flavor, but it was decent enough. Overall, I couldn't decide between 2 or 3 stars, but the employees alone were enough to put it at 3 for me.

    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham

    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham

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    If you're looking for a fun weekend date that feels cozy, elevated, and a little different, Weldon…read moreMills in Durham is such a standout. My husband and I visited recently for a bourbon tasting, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. Our mixologist, Berkay, was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. He shared the history behind each spirit and walked us through the tasting notes in a way that was easy to understand and genuinely enjoyable. The food menu was another big win, especially as someone who eats vegan. They offered vegan options, which made the experience feel inclusive and well thought out This is a fantastic spot for date night, a girls' night, or celebrating something special. They also host tastings, cocktail classes, private parties, and bachelor or bachelorette events, which makes it a great option for future plans. Highly recommend if you're looking for a memorable experience in Durham that feels both fun and thoughtfully done.

    We had some friends in town from San Diego and wanted to show them a few places we've been meaning…read moreto try. It was a Monday evening and it was pouring down rain. We weren't even sure anyone would be inside Weldon Mills - thankfully they were. As you walk in it's just such a big space, lots of seating areas and visual interest. The bartender was very welcoming, and we think that he was happy to see us. We got our cocktails very quickly, and the bartender even explained some things about the distillery to us. We had such a nice time just relaxing and getting out of the rain. Sadly, I did not take note of the names of the cocktails that we got, but it is nice to see. They have a rotational menu. The drinks were fall themed. We will definitely come back!

    Alley Twenty Six - Y'all when I say this burger lived up to the hype!!! IG: @betterwithju

    Alley Twenty Six

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    We had an extremely memorable experience at Alley Twenty Six, in large part to our amazing server,…read moreAnthony! We made a reservation for a Saturday night dinner and he made sure we were well taken care of all night. We started the night with their James Bears award winning cocktails, and every drink we ordered was a hit! Spiced strawberry mule, Sunset Sipper, and the table favorite: Earl Please. The latter two drinks were mocktails and they were still standouts! As for the food, the Alley burger was perfectly cooked: juicy patty paired with truffle cheese and simple toppings that really highlighted the burger itself. And shoestring fries are always a good choice with a delicious burger. Ricotta gnocchi was also very good. As our server Anthony said, let's get this burger nominated!

    It's always exciting to go to Alley26, namely for their food. Out of all the options in a block…read moreradius (with the exception of sushi nearby), I will always chose Alley26. Over burgers, over French food, over ramen, over Indian. Why? Because Alley26 serves delectable oysters, succulent burgers, and incredible tin fish. Yes, tin fish. If you haven't seen their extensive menu of fish, you must! While it's not for everyone, it is a tinned fish enthusiasts heaven! I go here to celebrate milestones with a good friend and we always have a mini feast, paired with a glass or two of wine. My favorite time to go is when the weather is comfortable and we can sit in the alley way, it's soooo chic that it feels like you're sitting outdoors at a meal in Italy of France. Service is always on point and I forget the bartenders name that is super knowledgeable and super kind. When I remember, I'll circle back to update this review. If you're thinking about this place, definitely check it out! The only inconvenience though is that I believe is 21+ over, at least at night it is.

    Liberty & Plenty Distillery - The Liberty & Plenty Distillery lounge is situated in the front of the distillery, and features a full cocktail bar and patio.

    Liberty & Plenty Distillery

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    What a lovely surprise to find this gem tucked away in downtown Durham! I had heard great things…read moreabout their espresso martini, so when we finally visited, we had to try it. And, it truly lived up to the hype. One of the best we've ever had! I also tried two other cocktails made with their house-distilled rum and gin, and both were delicious and perfectly balanced. The seasonal menu is creative and reasonably priced, we were genuinely impressed. The ambiance is charming and cozy despite a bit warm inside (the AC was pretty weak), but quiet and tastefully decorated with velvet couches, exposed walls, vintage touches, and fresh flowers on each table. We had fun flipping through their amazing cocktail book collection on the shelf too. The bartenders were very friendly and offered us focaccia from Ninth Street Bakery to pair with our drinks for free, which was such a thoughtful and tasty addition. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and are so happy to see a micro-distillery thriving in the heart of Durham. Can't wait to return for an official tour and to sample more of their spirits!

    Really fun cocktail bar- that specializes in rums! First impression- I called ahead to see if our…read moredog was allowed to sit on the outside patio, and they told me not only is she allowed, but we aren't allowed to come without her. That response will get a smile every time. Super dog-friendly, to say the least, both outside and inside. Outside has several tables under a covered area, and inside has a few couches (with tiny tables) and a long bar you can sit at. We've been a few times now, and the service is super friendly and helpful, every time. It's small and intimate inside, but we never have a problem finding a seat! I love that they have snacks you can help yourself to, in airtight jars at the bar (peanut butter filled pretzels, sour worms, etc). Also important to note- the inside is NOT air conditioned. We stopped in on a HOT day, and it's brutal inside, with cloth couches and just one small fan. Love this bar, all of their cocktails (wine available too), and all of the staff! Will be back (a lot)!!

    The Waiting Room - Storefront sign

    The Waiting Room

    (31 reviews)

    This cozy bar & lounge set between the American Tobacco Campus and the DPAC is a great place to…read moreunwind and chill. Got a show coming up? You can come here for a pre-show drink. There is waiter service at the lounge tables. I enjoy the bar service: plenty of seats and friendly bartenders. Old Bull Apartments residents have it best. They can hang out here, steps from their homes.

    I was very excited to try this place based on so many wonderful yelp reviews and I am thrilled to…read moresay that you were all absolutely correct. We LOVED our visit to The Waiting Room. I took off early and came here early on a Wednesday night with my aunt (we were going to try another restaurant on Tobacco Road later that evening for dinner.) This is a very definite speakeasy vibe here...the art deco decor is amazing. My eyes were thrilled before we even sat down. We had our pick of places since we got there right as they opened. Our waitress came over and was so pleasant and extremely knowledgeable. I cannot wait to bring my uncle back to enjoy some new bourbons. I started with a Wake Up Holland and my aunt had a chocolate martini (not on the menu but the bartender understood the assignment!) Wake Up Holland is 100% worth the hype. I LOVED IT. But since I was worried about the caffiene, I tried The Smoking Jacket next. It wasn't really my favorite...it tasted like a campfire which I know some people enjoy but it wasn't my jam. The waitress was very astute and mentioned that they could make the Wake Up Holland in decaf and I rejoiced!!! And ended the evening with that. The service, ambiance, and drinks were all stellar and I cannot wait to return to this establishment!

    Nanas - desserts - Updated May 2026

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