Dain's Place

I've had the great pleasure of eating at Dain's maybe half a dozen times in the last few months, and have yet to find a weakness. Sure the place isn't big enough to handle the business that the food deserves, but the burgers are just SICK: half a pound, great cheese & condiments choices, buns are great, mmmm. Add to that fries without peer (get the monstrous side basket if you've got 3 or more to share) and a great selection of micro-brews, and you've basically got the perfect burger meal. While burgers headline, other choices are good also (chicken tenders, pirogis, salads, etc.). Another thing I love about Dain's is they're always playing my kind of music, which I guess I'd better not identify in case somebody's taste isn't quite so good... ;0) more

Awesome food, amazing staff, great beer selection. Stop in and you'll be surrounded by a great vide. This friendly, low-key establishment is a much needed addition to the lackluster casual bar scene. Non-smoking, as well! Pros: Amazing food for the price, and nice portion sizes. Cons: Hard to park, but that's all of Durham for you. more

A nice cozy place, Dain is usually there hanging out. Decent selection of beers, fun decor. Several TVs, usually showing a variety of sports and one with snowboarding/surfing/skateboarding. Good music mix, lots of reggae especially Bob Marley. Service is friendly and relaxed. A good place to have a beer or three after school (close to Duke), work, softball, etc. Pros: Great people on staff, good beer selection, good bar, nice atmosphere Cons: Not many tables, (pro and con) kitchen slows down if crowded more

Dain's is different than its Ninth Street neighbors - a smoke-free, just-hip-enough bar/grill that is nice enough for a quick client lunch and bar enough for a few beers and a game. I've been three times, and all three times the owner was taking orders and serving. The service has been excellent each time (though it hasn't been particularly crowded). The place has a unique feel (with comfortable bar stools, which is a rare thing around here) but the stars are the domestic beer selection (I haven't been to many bars that have no imports at all with tons of American microbrews) and the superb burgers - with the demise of Jo & Jo's, these are the best in Durham. The burgers are perfectly cooked and the many options for condiments (such as chipotle mayo) make each burger a different meal entirely. It is small, but I'm not sure it's not better that way - better service and a more neighborhood feel. Probably not the best choice to head for a big game with a big group, but the TVs are nice and in somewhat good spots. Overall, one of the better small bars in Durham. Pros: Atmosphere, burgers Cons: Parking more