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    The Federal

    3.9 (447 reviews)
    Mon 11:30 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
    Tue 11:30 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Order The Federal Takeout or Delivery

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    THE FEDERAL ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - The Federal

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    Grilled Chicken Sandwich
    Katie N.

    Ordered take out to enjoy at the pool and to further my mission of finding the best sweet potato fries in town. This one won't be topping the list- the fries lacked flavor and were soggy, only made worse by the terrible syrup they give you with it. It's "dijonaise" but tasted more like liquid syrup. Despite my love of the movie Elf...I'm not up for pouring syrup on my dishes. The chicken on the chicken sandwich was overcooked and the Italian sandwich was underwhelming. We did get the loaded fries and swapped out for sweet potato fries- good but not worth the $3 up-charge. For an extra $6 worth (two separate sweet potato fries...yes I may have a problem) I would skip this place if you are also a fry fan.

    Updated menu! June 2024!
    Ryan A.

    Great dive bar with exceptional bar food downtown Durham. Great flavors and eclectic vibes from this small bar with a full bar and big tastes! Only qualm is that sometimes they are limited in staff and the crowds seem to surge to a point where the bar/wait staff can be overwhelmed, but they're still friendly and pretty effective. Fries are a major draw for me, new menu has some good salad and sandwich options.

    Fish & Chips
    Karen T.

    We stopped in for a late lunch. Two ladies were running the front. They were fast and efficient. We had the fish & chips, Currywurst? I think that's what it was called.. all was delicious. Their homemade fries were outstanding. We also had the pretzel and cheese dip. The dip seems to be homemade, and it was excellent. Very fun place to stop as it's located in the city and the street traffic was interesting to watch. Very relaxed, casual atmosphere.

    Special menu Oktoberfest
    Sweta S.

    Oktoberfest here was stellar. The back patio was open to guests with a fun Polka band. The waitress was so friendly and would check in on us repeatedly. They had a special menu. The sausages were juicy and flavorful! The mustards were delicious, as well. If you are thirsting for a large pint and a big pretzel, this is the place to go!

    Steak Frites
    Lloyd M.

    I probably haven't been here for 15 years but had a craving and it will definitely not be another 15 years. Shared garlic parm wings with my family, nice sized wings. The true highlight was the steak frites. As I don't eat regular potatoes, subbed sweet potato fries in and turned into a great (and filling) meal. The steak had a nice garlic butter and was a hefty portion itself. The crinkle cut sweet potato fries were great, and sweet potato fries are usually hit or miss. These were as crispy and crunch as regular potato. Sat outside on a nice day, the perfect compliment to the meal. Overall a very nice experience.

    Poutine
    Chris W.

    Our second experience wasn't very good. We ordered takeout again. - Food was not as tasty. - Fed Burger came with cheddar instead of pimento as ordered - Side of ranch for fries was missing. POUTINE I love poutine! Montreal delivers the best poutine. I couldn't finish this poutine. The cheese curds were too large and very bland. The gravy was just average. I enjoyed the fries better without the curds and gravy. FED BURGER Burger pattie was dry. It was a good sized thick burger but tough and not satisfying. It came with mustard. I'd recommend asking for mayo and pickles to be added. CUBAN SANDWICH My wife ordered the Cuban, which is se thing she had on first visit. She reallyiked it the first time but not this time. They seem to have a consistency issue.

    Fed Burger
    Kim G.

    There is a bar and seating inside. The bar area looked really nice. It is the middle of November in NC...we sat outside. The view on the street was awesome. I loved the outdoor seating. If you like to socialize, this is the perfect set up. The menu is not extensive so it won't take you a long to ponder your selection. That's a good thing. It keeps things moving along. The waitress was super friendly. I ordered the Fed Burger with fed fries. Let me tell you something, the fries were absolutely everything! They have to be top 3 fries of all time. Add a little ketchup and a dash of malt vinegar...omg Yum! I was gobbling up my fries so fast...I had to refocus on my burger. Let me tell you the burger was also everything. The toppings were fresh. The burger was cooked to order. My friend ordered the beyond burger and she said her meal was excellent. Think I may drive back to Durham just for this meal. Go there...

    Inspired by chef at Federal!

    The chef had just picked fresh figs and made a heavenly appetizer; straccatella fig and honey bruchetta...as a personal chef, this inspired me to make it for my clients. Chef Zacki Murphy

    The whole situation
    Kathleen W.

    Don't have food that is contaminated or wrong because they won't take accountability for it and tell you that Uber is the reason why your food is messed up.

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    2 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    8 days ago

    Ok.. just okay. Salad was overdressed & tough steak. Should be served in a wider bowl. Order a beer., slip the wine. Pleasant service

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    11 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Incredible. Highly recommend. The food, service, variety, ambiance made for an excellent experience.

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    2 years ago

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    8 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

    Best service and friendly workers and shoutouts to Olivia she was super friendly I appreciate the service

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    11 months ago

    Excellent black bean sliders! Onion rings and fries were also great. We ordered to go; fast service. Highly recommend.

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    The food and service were great. The environment was a typical bar. The wings were fried to perfection.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Excellent service, delicious fries, wings, and salad. Thinking about making a trip back just for the fries alone!

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Good food. Good service. Plenty of beers on tap. Give it a try. We ate and watched the Olympics.

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    3 years ago

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    Page 1 of 12

    Ask the Community - The Federal

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    This self-service taproom has plenty of artisan beers in stock. There are some hard ciders and…read morewines available too. Check in at the register and pick up a red wristband. You'll use that to pour your drinks. Drinks are priced by the ounce, so feel free to build your own flight! Seating options include high tables, low tables, and a patio. All seating is community-style, so don't be shy and go meet some new people!

    Y'all I had a GOODT (and yes I meant to put the "t" on the end of good) time at Pour Taproom! A…read moregroup of my friends girls decided to get together to have some drinks and talk. I had never been or heard of this place, HOWEVER I love the concept! So when you walk in - you are greeted by the cashier. They provide a bracelet and ask how much would you like to put on the bracelet? Once you pay, they load your bracelet with the funds and then you are free to drink! They have beer, cider, and wine - no liquor. They also DO NOT serve any type of food, but there are plenty of restaurants in very close proximity. If I am not mistaken, you are allowed to bring food in...Anyhow, you find the drink you want, scan your bracelet, and then fill you glass! Just that simple. The name and price will be displayed on the screen for whatever drink you decide on. Each drink gives the ounce that will be provided for that drink. Check them out! The employees are really helpful & it's just a all around good time. HAPPY DRINKING!!!

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    The Federal - pubs - Updated May 2026

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