I stopped in around 5:45 p.m. to an empty bar restaurant with less than 3 people. The host told me to wait because she was busy doing something. She didn't even smile or greet me. I had a feeling this was not going to go well. I stood for almost 5 minutes​ before she took me to my seat, a standing table next to the bar. I received a menu and knew what I want. I waited for​ a good 8-10 to order my food. After ordering my food, it took an additional 20-25 minutes to receive my 3-bone rib and fries. The ribs were good but mediocre​. It tasted more like baked ribs. The fries were crispy but nothing special. I then waited an additional 10-15 minutes to receive my check. By this time, there were a lot more people. Overall, not sure if I​ would stop here again. It didn't feel inviting. read more

This is a great place to grab dinner and live music! The food is pretty good. However our waitress was super slow and always missing. I was amazed how long it took to get our drinks and food. There were several tables who we seated after us that not only got their drinks, but their food as well before we did. Thankfully we were not in a rush. We will come back for the live music, but will ask for a different waitress. She was just horrible! read more

This is a nice casual dining experience, I had the fall off the bone baby back ribs, pulled pork, green beans seasoned with bacon and Sweet Potato Waffle Fries with some delicious cinnamon butter dipping cream/sauce ‍ Everything was so delicious, as well as dining with a live band on their soundstage. My wife had the smoked pulled Chicken with Mac+Cheese, Collards & hush puppies; We also topped it off with their House Made Pecan Bread Pudding with Whip Cream. Next week we're starting the Keto Diet ‍ but if you come through- make sure you ask for Kila (Keela) for your waitress, She's very Plesant and Professional !!!!!! read more

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Food was decent, but the service was impeccable. They had a group playing live music and had an hour long wait even for outside seating, but we waited anyway. We came for the food but stayed for the service. The ribs were a little dry, and the pimento cheese dip was bland, but the Mac and cheese was phenomenal. Our server Kirsten was super kind and attentive even with our table being outside. I would come back just to be sat at her section again. Patio is very dog friendly. read more

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We ordered carryout, portions were good size and the order was timely. I had shrimp which was awesome, wife did pulled pork and tried the bread pudding. Everything was delicious. I'll be back! read more

This is a very cool place in a part of durham that is about to explode with great new restaurants and things to do and this is one of the front runners First the food is awesome which is what you want in a bbq joint and this place did not disappoint! The baby back ribs and sauce were awesome and i would drive back there for that We didn't get to stay for the music nit this is a venue to watch. Not too big and not too small should provide an intimate setting but i will have to go back and see I will be back! read more

Love the venue itself. We met Saturday for lunch and David Quick's Jazz Combo was playing from 12-2:00pm. They were great and a wonderful change of pace. It was a gorgeous day! The patty melts, BBQ ribs, burger - really good. Fried okra side, not so much as the okra was tough. Very tasty Bloody Marys!!! Service was struggling to say the least, although all were very nice. The place was maybe a third full and we had long stretches between visits, ordering, etc. We were told that there was a split plate fee now, so okay. Turned out, the food was delivered with no additional plates, so we had to ask (everything is disposable/paper except for the plastic food baskets and silverware). As a result, the $2.50 upcharge seemed kind of ridiculous. Venue 5 Stars ... Food 4 Stars ... Service 3 Stars read more

Drove from Wake Forest to see a band here Friday night . The band was awesome . Very friendly people there . Emily waited on us . She was attentive, friendly and a great personality. She was very busy but you would never know it . We will be back . read more

We had a private party here and the food and atmosphere were terrific. Very accommodating and easy to work with. Also a great place to meet up with friends and listen to live music. read more

This is a really fun bbq spot with live music. We did not pay to sit in the music section but there was an outdoor Area and a covered patio area-which we chose. We could hear the music so that was cool. The server was courteous and quick. The menu has good selections. I thought the pulled pork, smoked wings, and ribs were tasty but could use a little more salt. The collard greens and green beans were good but also under-seasoned. All was pretty good. The only issue I had was that there is a fried catfish pi-boy and a fried cauliflower po-boy on the menu but not a shrimp po-boy. They serve fried shrimp but when I asked if the chef would make a po-boy they came back with a no. Seems unreasonable since they already serve fried shrimp. That was disappointing. Other than that, I'd say if you want to hear live music and have bbq, this is a good choice. read more

Enjoyed this place! We got tickets to listen to a local NC singer and the place was packed. Managed to get there early and snag one of the high top tables up at the bar area. The bartender gave a very generous pour for the red wine and cosmopolitan cocktail I ordered was filled to the brim in the classic triangle glass (thank you!). We already grabbed a bite elsewhere, so we split the chocolate lava cake here at Blue Note Grill. It was ok at best, not great but not terrible. So my advice is to stick to the drinks. The place is small and intimate with long group tables in the front and this narrow space at the stage for people to dance. It was a totally mixed crowd- from like 30-60 yrs old, all races, and everyone was having a good time. Would go back again and listen to more music. Largish parking lot in the back so totally appreciated the off-street parking since parking can be tough in that neck of the woods. read more

The Blue Note Grill - Busy night at the Blue Note - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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The food was average but the service was so attentive and friendly! We started off with a round of drinks and the deviled eggs. For our meals we went with the pulled pork plate with brunswick stew and fried okra and the pulled pork sandwich with collards. I wasn't a huge fan of the collards or stew unfortunately. read more

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The music and the food I love this restaurant/venue, there is such a great energy whenever I come here. The last time my party and I were here, we ordered the shredded pork with salad and hush puppies, shredded chicken with green beans and hush puppies and the fried shrimp with fries and hush puppies. Everything is always so delicious, their ribs are delicious as well! The band is fantastic, youll be up and dancing in no time here! Would definitely return and highly recommend to anyone that enjoys a good time and great food! read more

What a lovely little gem! After a long week my husband and I wanted to sit down at a nice place and enjoy some good food. I'm always in the mood for Barbecue, but my husband usually takes some convincing. We came on a Friday evening and had no trouble getting a table. We choose to sit on the side with music. We were a little worried about our little one would handle it. I can't speak for other nights, but this night it was acoustic. Not overbearingly loud at all! Seems like it's an older crown that enjoys this place, or perhaps it was because of who played that night I'm not sure. My husband and I totally vibed with that. It was so sweet watching these older couples get up there and dance! I ordered the pulled pork plate and my husband the ribs. When it first came out, the tray that put it on is so huge it made the portions look really small. Trust that this was more than enough food even without appetizers and dessert. The pork was delicious and I really enjoyed their BBQ sauce. Mac and cheese was creamy and cheesy, and the baked beans were also lovely. We especially enjoyed the hush puppies! The ribs my husband ordered were absolutely amazing! I think I'll have to order those when we visit in the future. We got The Nosh appetizer. I enjoyed having the bread and butter pickles to crunch on with my meal. The pimento wasn't over hearing and the deviled eggs were nice. As if we hadn't already eaten enough, my husband has a new found love for banana pudding and had to get the banana pudding poke cake, which we shared. Quite lovely! This place is a little pricey, but I wouldn't quite say unfair. The food was really good, and the live music made it all a very nice, enjoyable experience. Our little one also loved it! read more

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Trash parking. Pass. Idc how good the food is. Maybe plan a little better next time. I can't even imagine this place on a busy night read more

The Blue Note Grill is a excellent place to be on a Friday night. The evening I went there was live music however I sat in heated outside area with my date which was relaxing and more ideal because it wasn't as loud and busy. The waiting staff were very friendly and attentive to our needs and wants throughout the night. The food was very flavorful and I recommend this place to anyone who ask of a good place to eat in Downtown Durham, North Carolina. read more

Came here recently while visiting the area. My aunt and uncle recommended it and mentioned they used to have live music frequently. Happened to go in on a Thursday where there wasn't music, but some kind of fundraising event going on instead. It was a pretty close walk from the downtown, although it felt like we went off the beaten path a bit to get there (not quite as many businesses open, kind of empty street). The space itself is super cute and seems well set up for live music with a little stage - they had ample indoor + outdoor seating, as well as a cute covered patio with lots of colorful string lights. We started off with drinks and I was super pleased to find an $8/glass Pinot that was poured very generously. My fiance, aunt and uncle all got beers and they seemed to have a pretty extensive list to choose from. I ended up getting the half rack of ribs for my main, with collards and mac and cheese on the side. My fiance got the pulled pork with the fried okra. The food came out relatively quickly and similar to the wine pours, it was a super generous helping. The ribs came slathered in BBQ sauce (just the way I like) and I thought they were super tasty - maybe a little overcooked and not quite fall off the bone, but still really hit the spot when craving BBQ. The collard greens were super yummy and always one of my faves, loaded them up with extra vinegar sauce from the condiments provided and finished them all. Mac and cheese was also super creamy and yummy and I was happy to get it as an extra little indulgence. The surprise VIP from the plate was the hush puppies that came with the dish - they were really really well seasoned and perfectly fried and such a pleasant little bite. We ended up getting 2 desserts to share - the banana pudding and the bread pudding, both of which were so sweet and so tasty. We left extremely full and I thought the cost was super reasonable for 4 meals, 8 drinks and 2 desserts (~$120). Would definitely love to check it out with live music if I'm ever back in the area! read more

The Blue Note Grill - half rack of ribs, mac and cheese, collards and hush puppies - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

No one was there. Food was extremely average. Service was good. Ambiance is probably great when bands are there.

Service is poor. Both times we have been, we've had to remind them about our drink orders. Waited 25-30 mins for them

They have the Best Chili around!!! Highly recommend!! Really enjoyed the bank and their music. Thanks all for a good night out. read more

This is one of the best places to eat in Durham for sure. The wings with the bourbon bbq sauce are amazing, as well as the sides, especially the baked beans. The banana pudding is also top notch. The pulled pork was good, and while I haven't tried much of the other meats the things that really stood out to me were the wings and sides. Definitely give this place a try if you like BBQ and southern food with big portions. They have live music quite often as well which is nice. But mostly I just come for the food. read more

I've traveled to a lot of states (specifically in the south) and Blue Note Grill has my all time favorite ribs. I travel to Raleigh/Durham and I always make it a point to come here. The food is amazing! To reiterate you have to get the ribs. I'm also a big fan of Mac & Cheese and hush puppies. The bar is pretty well equipped for any drink you may want as well. I'm not much of a fan of live music, but it seems like people have a good time when they are there. The service is pretty good. These type of venues are very interesting to me. They have a room for catered meal (would be worth it for any celebration), main room with bar/stage, and another patio in the back. I've had meals in all the rooms aha. read more

Got there at 7pm on a Wednesday, our first visit, hoping to have dinner with 3 other family members. Big mistake! It was Open Mic night and it was standing room only in the main hall. We ended up in the covered patio, could still hear the music, but not see the performers. Music was great, lots of dancers on the floor, everybody seemed to be having a great time. The service was slow, it being crazy busy, but our server was very pleasant despite being rushed off her feet. The food was absolutely great - hamburgers, loaded fries (pimento cheese and jalapenos), Brunswick stew, Rib sandwich, etc. We plan to return, but get there earlier. And, NO, I'm not related to the owners in any way. read more

Sat outside on the patio and had great service. Food was good, came out in a decent amount of time. Inside was pretty packed with a band playing. read more

The food is good, if you can get seated. Rude, unprofessional service coming from the host stand while the owner looks on with his ever-present scowl transmits an unwelcoming vibe, which is sad bc this place used to me awesome. Maybe the owner would be happier if his incompetent hosts could actually get some people seated read more

I really enjoyed my dinner at the Blue Note! We walked in and the music was very loud, so we opted to sit on the patio so we could chat with our friends. The band and party atmosphere seemed very fun though. I shared crispy pickle fries with my husband, and then ordered a "plate of sides" for my main with mac and cheese, collards, coleslaw and green beans. Sides are always my favorite and these did not disappoint! I would definitely return, and definitely get the plate of sides again (and just taste bites of my dining companions' dishes!). read more

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We had a fantastic evening. Great Barbecue and the music was great. The music was not too loud that you could not talk. The place was very clean, and the staff were great! I highly recommend it as a date night. read more

The Blue Note has two things to come for: the food and the music. Both are treated as the stars they are. The music is LOUD, so your neighboring table chatting is not going to interfere with your enjoyment. The food is some of the best BBQ and sides you'll find in the area. I prefer the rib meat sandwich that is the Tuesday lunch special, but the ribs are also fine, and the pulled pork is too. Truth be told, I've never walked out of there hungry or disappointed about the food. Fried okra, sweet potato fries, slaw - all the traditional things you want with your 'que are here and made just like you wished your mama made them. If you're wanting to chat over your food, come when there isn't anyone playing, or sit in the non-stage seating Rib Room to the right as you enter. Same great food, much lower volume. My one complaint - if you want anything more complicated than a Jack & Coke, you're going to confuse the bartender. If it needs mint, special liquors, or fancy-pants preparation, forget it. But, my oh my, the food makes up for the noise and limited libation choices! read more

I popped in for lunch after stopping into Stone Brothers & Byrd's. Catfish P'boy was fantasti! Green beans and baked beans were delicious too! Getting the bread pudding to go and super excited to try it! Excellent service and the patio seating was lovely! Definitely come get a bite and walk across the street to Stone Bro's for some small town hardware store feels. read more

The Blue Note Grill - Catfish Po'boy and green beans - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This place was a great start to our Durham trip. The ambiance was so chill - we went on open mic jazz night and the performers were top notch and people were dancing and having a good time. The waitress was attentive and so nice. For food I got the ribs and hush puppies oh my lord they both tasted so good. The drinks were also strong and delicious. Only thing to note - as of 3/23 they have an outdoor patio that's next to some pretty grossly smelling construction right now - best to sit inside. read more

The Blue Note Grill - Ribs - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Great place, we knew it was the perfect place to throw a party as soon as we walked in! And Bill and the crew were fabulous - great food, great music, great hosts! Thank you, Bill, see you soon! read more

Stopped by for lunch on a Saturday and to my liking they were not busy at all. We decided to dine outside at the picnic tables which had umbrellas set up to keep the sun off of us. I ordered the pimento cheese burger (with bacon for an additional $2) and hand cut fries. The food was really good and everything was cooked perfectly. They do have street parking and parking behind the building. Service was a little slow but I know that happens for various reasons. Definitely give this place a try if you're in downtown Durham. read more

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I believe that good bar food should mean good drinks and good service. Well at this place it was all three with a cup of friendliness. I had a wonderful time and my bartender was so attentive. I recommend this place. I will say that the Music (Blues) was good, but Chicago is the home of the Blues and it is hard for me to say or think any differently. read more

Great music and great food and great staff. Highly recommend the ribs! Best blues music in the Triangle!

Writing this just as I get home from my visit. Let me break down how this went. Spoiler alert: not great. We arrived at 7:00pm, Friday. Our party was roughly 24 people, split between two tables (yes a lot, but keep reading). Being seated was quick, but it went downhill from there. Drink orders were taken fairly promptly, but it took around 45 minutes to start taking our food orders. By the time the orders were put in, it was about 8:00pm. The food didn't start rolling out until 8:45pm, and this only started happening after we requested the items be sent as they were done, instead of waiting to bring it all at once. At one point, when the food started rolling out, my uncle was given a plate which he told the server was not his. He told her what he ordered, and the response was "You did not order that." Shortly afterward, she realized indeed he did order what he said he did. You don't try and tell your customer what they ordered! Shouldn't they know?! By 9:15pm we still had people waiting for food. My dad finally got his fish, but he decided to send the meal back because the fish smelled and tasted spoiled. He ended up not eating. My sister's food was the last to roll out around 9:30pm (2 1/2 hours after we sat down) and by this time she was so fed up that she decided to just send it back. I felt so bad for her that I gave her the other half of my ribs. The attached photo is what my sister ended up eating in place of what she ordered. Another review mentioned that the hush puppies were doughy, and I can 100% confirm this is true. These hush puppies tasted, looked and felt like they were not completely cooked through. The ribs were good, but nothing special. The Brunswick stew was spicy...and not in a good way. I actually love spicy food, but this is not the way Brunswick stew should taste. It is clear that the kitchen was struggling for whatever reason, and to make matters worse the servers let out their own frustration over the situation onto us. We indicated we we're not going to pay for the meals we sent back, and the response was "well you still have to pay for those sodas and drinks." No sincere apology on behalf of the kitchen -- nothing except snarky attitude. I get the frustration, but do NOT let it extend to your already irritated customers. On top of that, of course it is customary to add on gratuity to large groups. But seeing how this night went, how do you think we felt leaving 20% gratuity? Pretty disgusted to be honest. Definitely will not see me going there again. read more

The Blue Note Grill - American Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

They may be a barbecue joint but they make one of the best burgers in town. Good food, good service, good music, what more can you ask.

Good BBQ and crispy sweet potato fries. The pulled chicken was juicy and full of flavor. I wasn't a fan of the green beans which were a bit overcooked for my tastes. The sweet potato fries were perfectly cooked and delicious and the cinnamon butter brought me back to my childhood when my mother sprinkled cinnamon sugar on top of my buttered toast. Heavenly. I still don't understand the allure of hush puppies, but I tasted one of those too. Tasted like a doughnut hole to me, as usual. Excellent service and our server brought out a little sample of house made bread pudding for us to try before we left. It was fantastic. Fun atmosphere for a casual date. read more

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We'd heard so many good things about the Blue Note and were excited to finally try it this past weekend (Saturday, 1/20). Wow. To say it was a disappointment would be a massive understatement. First, it's not really a restaurant on the weekends when they have live music. It's mostly a bar atmosphere once the band starts playing. We got there at 7:30, asked if they were still serving dinner and were told yes, they were, on the heated patio outside. We were ok with that and told them we'd wait the est. 30-minute wait time for a table. That turned into 45, but ok. Not a big deal. Finally got our table on the freezing patio, and that's when the fun started. 10-minute wait to be greeted by the server; 10 more minutes to get our drinks and place our order, and then an entire hour - actually 1:04 - to get our food. And the server only came out one time in that entire hour, mumbling something about how we'd been forgotten because she had to help "feed the Duke basketball team." What?! "Now they're finally making your food," she grumbled.She disappeared again for 16 more minutes before the food finally arrived. And I'd love to tell you it was worth the wait, but it was anything but: dry pulled pork, mediocre slaw, strangely gritty French fries, cold hush puppies. Never again, Blue Note. read more

Visited this establishment over a month ago to grab lunch as it was one of the few places that was open for sit down. The daily deals are great - I got the pulled pork plate with cole slaw and green beans. I loved my order so much I almost didn't let my fiance try anything from my plate. He had the smoked pulled chicken quesadilla which was packed with flavors. Staff was nice but nothing extra ordinary read more

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Had the Gammas deviled eggs, but they had very little flavor. Tried the nachos for the homemade salsa, but it was sweet so a little disappointed. Burgers were good but service was terrible. read more