Durham, NC boasts an incredible food scene, and tucked just north of downtown lies Old Five Points—a neighborhood packed with distinctive eateries that blend the city’s historic roots with fresh, creative energy. Wander down Geer Street, Foster Street, or along the intersections of Cleveland and Rick Streets, and you’ll discover flavor-packed dishes, cozy cafés, and welcoming bakeries. Whether you’re a breakfast buff, a dinner date planner, or a late-night snacker, Old Five Points offers a diverse culinary playground that rivals any food-centric district in the Triangle.
The Quintessential Old Five Points Experience
Old Five Points might not draw the same crowds as Durham’s Brightleaf or downtown, but savvy locals know this pocket pulses with small-business charm and a genuine sense of place. Here, every meal feels personal. Restaurants take pride in sourcing local ingredients and fostering neighborhood connections, whether via murals on the wall or friendly, familiar faces at the counter.
Standout Restaurants: From Casual Classics to Taste Adventures
- Geer Street Garden (644 Foster St)
Nestled in a repurposed 1920s gas station at the corner of Geer and Foster Streets, Geer Street Garden is the anchor of the neighborhood’s dining scene. This spot earns loyalty with its laid-back vibe, an expansive patio shaded by pecan trees, and a menu that highlights hearty American classics—think fried chicken sandwiches, burgers, and big salads. Portions are generous, and prices hover around $12-$18 for mains, making it a relaxed go-to for lunch or dinner with friends.
- The Pit Authentic Barbecue (321 W Geer St)
North Carolina is synonymous with barbecue, and The Pit delivers slow-cooked mastery at the edge of Old Five Points. Choose from pulled pork, brisket, or ribs, all smoked to perfection and served with tangy house-made sauces. Sides like collard greens and hush puppies seal the deal. Meals run $14-$22, and the inviting, brick-lined dining room is perfect for family gatherings or casual date nights.
- Parts & Labor (723 Rigsbee Ave, in Motorco Music Hall)
Are you a world traveler at heart? Parts & Labor brings global street food vibes to Geer Street’s edge. Sample Korean “dirty fries” topped with kimchi, bánh mì-style sliders, or Indian-inspired samosas—all made for sharing. With most plates under $10, this is an ideal pit stop for adventurous palettes and those catching a show next door at Motorco.
- Cugino Forno (800 Taylor St)
This Neapolitan-style pizzeria is technically in the wider Old Five Points area, just a short walk from Geer Street’s nucleus. Their wood-fired pies—crispy, blistered, and finished with buffalo mozzarella—have inspired pizza pilgrimages citywide. The Margherita and Diavola are favorites and range from $14-$18 per pie, perfect for a casual group night out.
Cafés and Bakeries: From Sunrise to Sweet Tooth
- Cocoa Cinnamon (420 W Geer St)
The unassuming brick building at the corner of Geer and Foster Streets hides one of Durham’s best cafés. Cocoa Cinnamon lives up to its name with globally inspired lattes, Mexican hot chocolate, espresso brewed from locally roasted beans, and a steady soundtrack of community conversation. Don’t skip their pastries, sourced from local bakers. Coffee drinks run $3-$6, pastries about $4.
- Durham Filling Station Bakery (Hidden side street off Geer St)
One of Old Five Points’ true hidden gems—if you’re lucky enough to catch its ever-shifting hours—is the Durham Filling Station Bakery. Here, flaky croissants, inventive scones, and chewy cookies rotate through the menu, but the real prize is their custom cakes (order ahead!). Prices range from $2 for small treats up to $30+ for specialty cakes.
Food Trucks: Flavor on Four Wheels
Thursday and Friday evenings see a parade of food trucks on Rigsbee Avenue and Foster Street, turning the neighborhood into an impromptu food court. Some favorites include:
- Bulkogi Korean BBQ
This truck is a must for fans of spicy-sweet bulgogi beef, crisp scallion pancakes, and kimchi fried rice. Bowls start at $10.
- Dank Burrito
Fusing Southern flavors with West Coast wraps, Dank Burrito offers craft burritos overloaded with smoked brisket, pickled veggies, or fried chicken—generally $8–$12, and often with house hot sauce worth bottling.
International Eats and Plant-Based Plates
- Durham Vegan Deli (526 Foster St)
For plant-based eaters, this beloved deli stands out. Their “chic’n” salad, vegan Reubens, and stacked “egg” sandwiches win over even die-hard carnivores. Sandwiches average $9–$13.
- Pho & Poke House (660 Foster St)
Craving something light and flavorful? Pho & Poke House delivers with customizable poke bowls bursting with sushi-grade tuna or tofu, plus piping-hot Vietnamese pho loaded with fresh herbs. Bowls and soups range $12-$15.
Local Food Traditions & Festive Flavor
Old Five Points doesn’t just produce great food—it celebrates it. Neighborhood food crawls, frequent pop-up chef nights, and small-scale festivals hosted at Motorco or Durham Central Park (just across the border) ensure there’s always something new to taste and a reason to gather. Look for sandwich specials inspired by local farmers’ markets and new seasonal soups as Durham’s weather shifts.
Why Old Five Points?
Old Five Points may fly under the radar, but that’s part of its appeal. The diversity of cuisines, genuine neighborhood energy, and lovingly crafted menus make dining here feel like joining a community dinner party—whether you’re seated on Geer Street Garden’s patio under fairy lights, grabbing espresso to-go from Cocoa Cinnamon, or exploring vegan twists on Southern classics.
Next time you’re hungry in Durham, skip the chains and the crowded main drag—head to Old Five Points and eat like a local.