One of the top meals that I've had in the Triangle, and it was 100% vegan! The food was awesome, but what stood out even more was the service- the epitome of Southern hospitality. Since it was our first time at Pure Soul, the host gave us drinks on the house (we got Sweet Tea, Lemonade, and Root Beer). The tea and lemonade were on the sweeter side, but I enjoyed both. My sister liked the root beer, which was from Uncle's Scott's, a local NC brand. They also offer a discount for teachers, students, and veterans. For entrees, we got the: - Drumstix plate (BBQ, buffalo, or fried- included rice and a sauce): We chose fried- it was perfectly crispy, so tasty. Couldn't choose between hot honey and honey mustard, so they gave us both, again so nice. Rice was well-cooked. - Chicago burger (grilled onions, cheddar, pickles, tangy aioli): Classic! Enjoyed this overall. - Fried fish plate (includes rice, slaw & tartar sauce): This is funny, but this dish was a bit too fishy for me lol. But crazy how well they do their vegan alternatives. - BBQ plate ("pulled pork" in a sweet BBQ sauce, served with slaw): Probably my least favorite entree, I think the pork was too sweet for me, but it did balance with the slaw. We tried a bunch of sides, which from my most to least favorites were: Soul Mac (not too cheesy), Hushpuppies (crispy outside, pillowy inside), Rob's Favorite Cornbread (so moist), Sweet Potato Fries (classic), Bilbo's Greens, Blackeyed Peas & Veggies, and Nik's Candied Yams (too sweet for me). Ambiance is nice with both indoor and outdoor seating. Lots of parking available. 10/10 would recommend! read more

Pure Soul - Fried Fish Plate, The Chicago Burger, Drumstix Plate, The NC BBQ Plate - Fast Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Pure Soul was such an fantastic experience. I've heard so many great reviews about this place, and was happy that it lived up to the hype. The food was straight up good. Everything was seasoned well, what was supposed to be crispy was very crispy, what was supposed to be rich was very rich. The reason I rate this place 5 stars is because of the creativity in their drumsticks. Although I know I'm not having chicken, it basically tasted like chicken. It had a wonderfully crispy outer skin, and they even put a thick skewer stick in the middle of it to simulate a chicken bone. I thought this small detail was genius, and honestly sold the entire plate for me instantly. Will definitely be back to try other things. read more

Pure Soul - Drumstix Plate - Fast Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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My experience at Pure Soul was excellent. From the moment our group walked in, we were warmly greeted by Andrew, who was friendly, welcoming, and provided a true sense of hospitality. The food was outstanding. It was refreshing to enjoy delicious vegan soul food that genuinely captured the flavor, comfort, and authenticity of traditional soul food in a fully plant-based form. There are so many delicious options, it's hard not to order everything on the menu. It was nice to enjoy authentic plant-based soul food while visiting from California. I was also impressed by the wide variety of dessert options available, which made the experience even better. It's not always easy to find vegan desserts with both quality and selection, but they definitely delivered. This place is truly a gem, and I will definitely be back again. read more

Seriously one of the best restaurants I've eaten at, EVER. In my life! As a lifelong vegetarian, it was overwhelming to look at a menu and be able to order literally anything I wanted. I was also happy to see that, on top of that, there are lots of gluten free options--it can be kinda hard to find vegetarian AND gf at a restaurant, so that's a big bonus! I was with a group, so we tried a lot of different menu items, and everything we ordered was, like, the best thing we'd ever eaten. I dream of the soul rolls! And wouldn't be right not to order sweet tea. Andrew and his staff treated our table like we were royalty, so not only was the food incredible, we had an amazing experience, too. You can really tell the love and care that has been put into curating such an authentic, cool spot. Impeccable vibes. read more

Pure Soul - Everything is vegan! - Fast Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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I had the NC BBQ plate. Loved the cornbread and coleslaw. I wasn't a big fan of the collard greens...they tasted too chili-powder forward for me, and I thought the bbq and mac and cheese were just okay. While the food wasn't particularly my favorite, I loved how the menu had such variety. The cashier was super nice, and the service was great. read more

Pure Soul - NC BBQ Plate - Fast Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The customer service when we first walked in was wonderful!! The atmosphere was very welcoming and friendly. The food was fresh and hot. You can't tell it's vegan food at all. They have so many options for everyone. Thanks Andrew!! read more

"Delicious Vegan Food by South Square in Durham" (Yay, this is my 500th review!) I was surprised to see I hadn't already reviewed this place even though I've eaten there multiple times. (Someone else said the same, so I wonder if their entry got reset.) Sitting near the Target, this place isn't much to look at from the outside, but the food is a gem. I came on a Saturday evening at 6pm, and it was hopping, but there were still tables available. It was a beautiful day, so a lot of people chose to sit in the outdoor bench seating areas, making more total available. One can order with a person at the counter, online, or via a tablet at the counter. I opted for the Baked Chkn poppers plate: Seven baked Chkn (fake chicken) bites served over yellow rice, topped with green onions and served with your choice of two sides (I went for mac & cheese and collards). My dining partner got the chkn sandwich plate with the same two sides. We got a number and found a table. The wait felt a little long-- it was over 20 minutes to get the food. But it was SOOOOO good when we got it! The server also brought us our drinks so we wouldn't have to wait the full time for those, which was nice. My plate was delicious. The chkn bites and rice had a curry flavor to them that was SO tasty. The texture of the chkn was pretty close to some sort of meat, albeit maybe not identical to chicken. I did wish there were more bites, but they did advertise is properly. It also came with a homemade honey mustard that I used as a dip and drizzle. I really liked the mac & cheese, too- it had some heat/ kick to it. My dining partner loved her chkn sandwich too. It was also the "right" amount of food-- not so much that we had leftovers but enough that we weren't hungry when we finished. Parking is sometimes a bit tight, but I've always found a spot. And the price is decent-- the plates hover around $20 each, which is not bad for top-tier vegan foods with two sides. Overall, really like this place, and happy to come back, even though I'm not vegan (or even vegetarian)! read more

Really enjoyed my visit to Pure Soul. It was my first time though I've heard a lot about it. As far as I understand, everything here is vegan. Which is awesome. It's in a small strip mall in Durham and has a small parking lot. When we went it was 1pm on a Thursday and there were a bunch of people. Between getting through the line and waiting for our food, it took about 30 minutes, so keep this in mind should you visit at a high traffic time. The space itself is funky and casual. They deliver your food in biodegradable to go containers. I had the fried CHKN sandwich and added buffalo sauce and ranch with a side of french fries. Everything was very good. The taste and consistency felt like chicken but not as heavy as a fried chicken sandwich would be, which is great! I really enjoyed my experience and I would recommend if you're looking for a good vegan place in the Triangle. read more

Pure Soul - Kind Chkn Sandwich - Fast Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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A great place to go for vegans and vegetarians ( so so if you don't really care about that stuff). I've been here a few times when vegan/vegetarian friends are in town and when my wife wants to go here since she loves it. When I go I've found the impossible cheeseburger is the best route to go along with the cheese fries or Mac and cheese. I tried the Chicago impossible burger and was really underwhelmed. I love that this places pays a living wage but have always found the service underwhelming, the place too warm and the food overpriced for what you get. Glad ititss here for those that love it and to have a close option for people who love eating vegetarian and vegan that we can easily go to. read more

Stopped here on our way back from Greensboro, best travel break ever!!!! I had Soul Roll, which was an Eggrolls that consisted of greens, vegan chicken, and mac n cheese. THE FOOD WAS DELICIOUS, HANDS DOWN!!!! read more

Pure Soul - SOUL roll - Fast Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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This is a solid, vegan food spot! I sampled multiple items and my favorites were the kale salad, the mac & cheese, and the Black Eyed Peas with vegetables. Everything was really good though! read more

One of the best vegan restaurants I've tried. The fish fry sandwich was great as well as the Caesar side salad. I could taste the love and care this food was made with. There's vegan-friendly food served in most restaurants as an afterthought, but at Pure Soul, plants are center-stage. My nonvegan wife loved the "shrimp" po boy and Caesar salad as well. The lemonade was delicious and refreshing. I will definitely be back when I'm in the area. read more

Pure Soul - Fish Fried *Fish* Sandwich - Fast Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

One of my absolute favorite places to visit! The food is DELICIOUS! There are more than enough options and I love that no matter when I visit, there MAY be entertainment or great vendors or just a welcoming environment with friendly faces. The desserts are not my fav but almost any and everything else on the menu HITS. The Mac n and cheese, along with the soul rolls are a must try. read more

Pure Soul - Chick'n sandwich & Mac n cheese - Fast Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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My niece is a vegan so I tried it for the first time I went in. It was a small little restaurant but very nice service was really good. I ordered the Philly cheesesteak. She got cornbread and the shrimp Poboy and collards. I thought it tasted really good. I was surprised that it wasn't meat. The only thing I would say is that they're pricey, but my niece says that most of your vegan places are pricey anyway. Would I go back? Yes! If I'm in the area, I would stop there again. I thought it was pretty good. read more

Easily one of the best if not THE best vegan restaurant I've ever been to in my life. And I don't say that lightly. I've tried vegan food across the US including NYC NJ Philly L.A. Chicago San Diego ATL Colorado, Europe, etc. and what I love most about Pure Soul here in Durham is how tasty the food is without feeling artificial or too salty. I definitely recommend the bacon ranch chicken sandwich (+/- mushrooms) and the NC BBQ plate w/ mac & cheese + yams as sides. Flavor explosions all around. You don't need to be vegan to experience how genuinely delicious the food is here. The service is also top notch with extra dollops of welcoming kind generous energy that makes you feel like being home. Shout out to Andrew and Azure and all the staff. I couldn't say enough good things about Pure Soul. Well deserved reputation. A MUST stop when in North Carolina or anywhere near Durham. read more

Went here and had a great experience overall!! The staff made great recommendations when I came here with friends for the first time.

Honestly loved this place so much. The cornbread was AMAZING and I will be going back just for that. For being a no meat establishment, this place is honestly impressive. Everything was very good and tastes like the real deal. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because the BBQ chicken was a bit difficult to eat after the first 4 or 5 bites. It's very rich and strong and I had trouble finishing it. But that also speaks to how much quantity they give you. Overall, solid place with nice vibes and good service. read more

Pure Soul - Rob's Favorite Cornbread (2pc) contains almond Small Coleslaw (7 oz) The NC BBQ Plate Small Soul Mac (7oz) contains gluten, almond, cashew - Fast Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This is a great place of you don't mind no meats. What we had though was pretty good. Very eclectic atmosphere which was a nice change. Staff were super friendly. read more

Pure Soul - Outside seating. - Fast Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

God tier vegan comfort food! My husband and I split a NC BBQ plate and some fried chicken strips and it was still way more than enough for the two of us! Everything was hot and super fresh, it only took a few minutes to get and the lady at the counter was so nice. We can't wait to come back again when we're in the area next! read more

Pure Soul - The NC BBQ Plate - so incredible we forgot to take a picture until it was half eaten! - Fast Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I REALLY enjoyed this place. We parked on the side of the barbershop and oh man....the ambiance from the minute we stepped into this space was on point. Live plants, chill music and courteous staff created an excellent experience. My husband had the NC bbq sandwich and I had the bbq plate with kale salad, mac n cheese, and cornbread. Everything was great! My husband said he could taste the difference with real meat vs vegan, but I couldn't. I also consider myself a macaroni and cheese connoisseur and I really enjoyed the vegan mac. We are excited to go back! read more

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If I lived in Durham I would eat here once a week. This place is restorative to your soul. The food is so delicious, they play soul music, and you can eat outdoors surrounded by greenery and color. It's a vibe for sure. I came here twice in a row on a holiday weekend and loved both of the meals I had, the Soul Bowl and a 3 side plate with cornbread, vegan mac and cheese, and collards. They have both vegan and plant based entrees. Whatever you do, get the cornbread. read more

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Whoever was working the counter (maybe the owner?) was SO nice and went above and beyond to serve us. He gave us complimentary drinks, orange watermelon to try as an appetizer, and was so thoughtful with his recommendations. The cheese fries and soul rolls are can't misses!!! I can't believe everything is plant based. I tried some jackfruit "tenders" that I wasn't the biggest fan of, and he immediately gave me some other "chicken" to try instead which I really enjoyed!!! It was such a beautiful atmosphere inside and out as well. 5 stars for service and food!!! You can't miss this if you are interested in plant based food!! read more

I've rarely been happier to give five stars in a review. Andrew, who took our orders and told us all about the menu and the restaurant, was gracious, friendly, kind, and helpful. His suggestions were all great. I had the Soul Bowl, with delicious fresh local vegetables, cornbread, and rice. One quibble: I vastly prefer sugarless cornbread. However, if you must use sugar, this is a good cornbread and a good texture. My friend had the 'fried chicken' sandwich with hot 'hunty' dressing, which was scrumptious and almost made me wish I'd ordered that instead. The hush puppies, which I believe are vegan, are to die for and remind me of The Way They USED To Be. *grin* We also had a delicious lemonade and two excellent desserts (peanut butter pie and brownie.) Andrew also generously offered us samples of both kinds of BBQ; I loved both, though I usually prefer vinegar base. The atmosphere is lovely: welcoming, hospitable, and spacious, with outside tables. Run, do not walk, to this restaurant. It's a new staple for me. read more

We picked up an online order of their NC style BBQ plate with mac and cheese and also their take on the Chicago Burger. Everything was delicious and exactly as we expected. read more

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I have a major complaint about Pure Soul: The two toilets are ancient and often stopped up. I am there about twice a month and usually at least one of them is clogged. You need to invest in a couple of modern, high quality toilets because this is a gross situation. The food is great (albeit expensive). I love the vegan cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. I am only docking my rating by one star because of the toilet situation. read more

I have finally found my favorite restaurant in the triangle! I'm vegetarian but LOVE Carolina BBQ and am so happy to find a place that makes it so well. I've now ordered from them two days in a row; yesterday I had the bbq, cornbread, Mac n cheese, and tater tots and today I again got the BBQ and tots and am trying the Collard Greens. The sweet potato pie is also delicious. Seriously, whatever yall are doing, keep it up, you ROCK! read more

Pure Goodness on a plate. I got the fish and although the other sides are equally good, a double kale salad with their homemade dressing and toasted gabanzo bean croutons were calling my name. Nothing short of amazing! read more

Pure Soul - Vegan fish, cole slaw and kale salad - Fast Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

As a pescatarian, to my vegan people, make a stop here. I ordered the wing platter, which came with two sides. After the first bite of my plant-based wings, I was amazed at how great my meal tasted. I felt like I may have been set up. The second bite, however, made me sure I had been bamboozled. So I had to reassure with the staff that this was all plant-based, and they promised that everything, including the desserts, was all plant-based. My two sides were mac and cheese and hushpuppies with a side of honey hot. The hushpuppies are not the round balls you're used to, but they still taste okay and are even better with the Pure Soul sauce. read more

Full disclosure: I had no idea this was a vegan BBQ joint. After growing up in Texas and missing BBQ for years, I heard rave reviews about the spot and came in with high hopes. When I got to the joint, I was met with fantastic staff and the surprise of the vegan menu. Absolutely no way they could pull off pulled pork or bacon soaked greens. But holy hell, did they. This spot is amazing. The pulled pork was damn good (even the texture was pretty spot on). The greens were savory and delicious, and the corn bread was spot on. Kinda glad I didn't do my homework well enough because I might have missed this. What a meal, and what a gem. read more

Pure Soul - BBQ plate from Pure Soul. - Fast Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The FLAVOR!! I'm usually the last one to vote for a vegan restaurant even though I'm vegetarian. Generally they fall short on flavor or substance. OMG I'm so mad I live so far away. This restaurant is amazing! I got the Chicken sandwich w buffalo ranch and Kale Caesar - the sandwich was hearty and exactly what I wanted. The homemade ranch is delicious! I dream of the Kale Caesar daily. I don't know what they do but it's perfect. I'm not a huge all foods together person but the SOUL ROLLS are fantastic!! I'm so thankful we got some for the table, because i wouldn't have ordered them and I would have missed out! The pie crust for the sweet potato pie was probably one of the best crusts I've ever had. Staff was amazing and kind and helpful. read more

FANTASTIC! Loved that I was able to indulge in southern soul food - even as a vegan! The staff was so nice!

I could have sworn I wrote a Yelp review of this place but perhaps not. We've only been here a few times (I was here for a special private event as well) and have enjoyed the cozy food and relaxed feel. The owners seem to like mixing up the menu and change it seasonally. They also offer daily deals. That's fine with us since that means they prefer to source what's in season. We haven't been back lately but would definitely consider it. read more

The workers are real cool folks and the food is so mouth watering good. Beats every meat restaurant in town.

Would've given them 5 stars, but they were out of the 'fish' fillets, which I was keen to try. Very friendly and prompt service. We enjoyed the Eastern BBQ, Impossible cheeseburger, and homemade cole slaw and collards. Will definitely give them another try! read more

Service was top notch. What a friendly provider at the front, answered all our questions and did it with a smile. Delish food and some awesome gluten free and veggie options. Yum! read more

Pure Soul is a really nice place for food, drinks and music! The bartenders, chef and wait staff are super nice, friendly and helpful! All of the food is plant based and yummy! I had the Soul roll- it is a must have ( call a head they sell out quick) the cashew au Gratin potatoes were very tasty. The Brussel sprouts with seaweed and "bacon " were excellent! My favorite by far was the homemade pumpkin roll. You can order dinners, sides and desserts to go. read more

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I went here for an event and will go back over and over again! All of the food I tried was delicious and surprisingly all vegan! A few things I had on this flavor adventure: The Soul Rolls, so, so good. I paired them with a local BBQ sauce and the 'honey' mustard sauce (not at the same time). The cranberry ginger lemonade is going to give me cravings for weeks to come, so thanks for that! Will I go here again? Absolutely! I'm in love! read more

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Pure Soul is pure genius!!! The best vegan restaurant I have ever enjoyed! I am having fried fish today with their Bilbo's greens and kale Caesar salad. I am also enjoying a side of fries and a piece of fried chicken. I am starving! They season their food well. Their Arnold Palmer is the best proportions! Textures are on point! Congratulations on being voted #1 YELP Restaurant in the Carolinas! read more

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This place is amazing. We told them we are from out of town and Andrew treated us like royalty! Not sure where to start as everything was fabulous. Cornbread, NC BBQ sandwich, shrimp po boy, Soul Rolls, i could go on and on. I do not generally eat vegan but my daughter does so this was a perfect place. You would never think this lllwas vegan food. read more

Pure Soul - Shrimp po' boy - Fast Food Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Pure soul catered an event I was at and I wasn't sure how I would like the 100% vegan menu. I have to say, the greens were delicious, the chicken patty was so good even made in mass quantity! As someone truly addicted to cheese, I was not a huge fan of the macaroni and cheese. But, the barbecue was also very good. I definitely will consider having them in the future and even visiting the restaurant! I can't speak to the environment of the restaurant nor the service, but it was on time and the hostess did say they were great to work. read more