
Elmo's Diner
A beloved Durham diner serving classic American comfort food with a friendly vibe and breakfast served all day. A local favorite for over two decades.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Elmo's Diner

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Durham diner serving classic American comfort food with a friendly vibe and breakfast served all day. A local favorite for over two decades.
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.
Explore the Menu
Don't hesitate to try different specialties like veggie burgers or fiesta bowls for a varied dining experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Diner
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

All-Day Breakfast Favorites
Enjoy classic breakfast dishes like fluffy pancakes, hearty omelets, and perfectly cooked scrambled eggs, available any time of day.

Famous Shrimp and Grits
A must-try signature dish that's praised for its unmatched flavor and quality, a true taste of Southern comfort.

Cozy Diner Atmosphere
Experience a classic American diner vibe with comfortable booths and friendly service, perfect for families and students alike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.
Explore the Menu
Don't hesitate to try different specialties like veggie burgers or fiesta bowls for a varied dining experience.
Off-Peak Visits
Visit during non-peak hours for a more relaxed and less crowded dining experience.
Breakfast All Day
Highly recommended for breakfast options, perfect for starting your day right at any time.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.
Explore the Menu
Don't hesitate to try different specialties like veggie burgers or fiesta bowls for a varied dining experience.
Off-Peak Visits
Visit during non-peak hours for a more relaxed and less crowded dining experience.
Breakfast All Day
Highly recommended for breakfast options, perfect for starting your day right at any time.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Elmo's Diner is celebrated for its excellent, all-day breakfast options and incredibly friendly service, creating a welcoming atmosphere that draws in students and families alike. While many praise the delicious food and value, a few reviews mention a lack of flavor in some dishes and an unfortunate incident involving service animal policies. Overall, it's a highly recommended spot for a comforting diner experience.
"Amazing food and even better service. As a fellow restaurant manager I officially approve this place. My home fries were perfectly cooked, breakfast burrito was spot on with great sausage crumbles, tasted like homemade sausage. The grits were great. Simple wholesome food, served to perfection. Thank you Elmo's, I will be back!"
Vincent Stephan
"I had a wonderful experience at Elmo's Diner! I tried the pancakes along with a plain omelette filled with turkey soy and American cheddar cheese, and I couldn't be happier with my choices.
The pancakes were fluffy and delicious, perfectly sweetened and served hot. The omelette was cooked just right, with the turkey soy adding a nice savory flavor, complemented beautifully by the melted American cheddar.
I also ordered the apple cinnamon on the side, which was a delightful touch—sweet and spiced, it paired perfectly with the pancakes.
The diner has a cozy atmosphere, and the staff was friendly and attentive. I highly recommend Elmo's Diner for a tasty breakfast or brunch!"
Emad Sorour
"An old school diner vibe which was cool but the food lacks flavor. Nothing we ate had any seasoning. The service was the best part of our meal. Our waiter was great and the hostess was super friendly. Great people, but I would not return here."
Kay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Elmo's Diner is famous for its Shrimp and Grits, and also highly recommended are their breakfast items like pancakes and omelets, which are served all day.
Yes, Elmo's Diner offers vegetarian options and has a special menu highlighting vegan choices.
Yes, Elmo's Diner is very popular, especially on weekend mornings. Arriving early or visiting during off-peak hours is recommended to avoid long waits.
Elmo's Diner has a classic, homey diner vibe with comfortable booths and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it a welcoming spot for everyone.
Reservations are not typically mentioned, but due to its popularity, arriving early or being prepared for a wait is advised.
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Fun Things to Do in Durham, North Carolina, Including Exploring Duke University
Affordable Bites: For more college-towny stuff, head to 9th Street near campus and Elmo’s Diner, a Blue Devil staple that’s big for hungover brunches. For something a little quicker, pop into Monuts, a donut shop and bakery that’s become a student-body obsession. Lunch at Chicken Hut should also be on your agenda, as it’s been plating up soul food in Durham since 1957.
Best Restaurants in Durham
Elmo’s Diner: Elmo’s Diner has everything you want from a classic American diner: comfy booths, endless coffee refills, and breakfast all day, every day. This locally owned and operated diner is a hot spot for Duke students and Durham families alike, and the casual atmosphere and friendly servers keep people coming back. The menu is extensive, but you can’t go wrong with anything you choose—and there’s even some vegetarian options for those who choose to forgo all the breakfast meats.
15 Best Cafes in Durham (NC) in 2023
As the name suggests, Elmo’s is definitely more of a diner than a cafe, but it still earns a place on my list. Having been there many times, I think the food and coffee are excellent and can compete with any of the local cafes, (guests I’ve taken with me agree too). Though I’m sure you could go in for just a coffee, I’d suggest going to Elmo’s if you’re also looking for some food as there’s often a wait to get seated (as it’s so popular) and the food is not to be missed.
3-Day Kid-Friendly Itinerary in Durham
From Elmo’s, take the short drive to the Museum of Life and Science, the perfect stop for children of all ages. Carve out around four to five hours to discover the Dinosaur Trail, experience the Earth Moves exhibit, trek through Hideaway Woods, and more. And don't worry about leaving the premises for lunch: with seating available both indoors and on the covered patio, the whole family can rest and grab lunch at the museum’s Sprout Café.
Our Staff Shares Their Fave Local, Family-Friendly Restaurants
I know everyone will say this, but Elmo’s is so great for kids. We go there for emergency pancakes or when we just don’t want to make dinner. My boys, Eli, 6, and James, 2, share a large order of sweet potato or pumpkin pancakes, and each get a side order of turkey sausage … which they dip in the whipped cream that comes with the pancakes, because kids are weird.” – Briana Brough, Chief Visual Officer and Director of Photography
North Carolina tobacco trail: How downtown Durham went from dangerous to hip
Strolling around, I get no sense of danger, just the buzz that comes with a city in full phoenix mode. The Quarter Horse Bar and Arcade is Eighties nostalgia with the fun ramped up, the only economic decline in evidence that of my friend Vann’s wallet. A jogging group of around 50 meet in the Fullsteam brewery as the sun begins to set on another hot Carolinian day, while Elmo’s Diner takes the Americana vibe up a notch.
Brunchin' in Durham: The Best Breakfast in Durham - 2024
Elmo’s Diner has been a beloved establishment in Durham for over two decades, with a loyal customer base of repeat patrons. The team at Elmo’s takes pride in offering friendly and efficient service, as well as serving fresh, homemade food that will make customers feel like they’re eating a home-cooked meal. Elmo’s does not use mixes or instant meals and all desserts and soups are made from scratch.
15 Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Durham, NC 2023
Shining bright as a local Durham favorite for over two decades, you can never go wrong with Elmo’s Diner for classic breakfast food. As its name suggests, the spot has a homey diner vibe with a feel-good ambiance and efficient service. The meals are prepared with love and attention, offering a variety of dishes made from scratch every day.
Top 10 Places to Eat
Since opening its doors in 1997, Elmo’s Dinerhas become a beloved part of Durham’s dining scene. Nestled in the Ninth Street shopping district of Old West Durham, this diner offers a warm and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. Its history as a former taxi cab garage, beauty college, and bakery adds to its unique charm.
The Best Breakfast in Durham NC (15+ Essential Restaurants)
Ask many people their pick for breakfast restaurants in Durham and they’ll likely start with Elmo’s Diner. This Downtown Durham restaurant is an institution, and on weekend mornings, you’ll hardly ever walk by without seeing a line out the door. If it’s on Sunday, they’re likely waiting for the best brunch in Durham!
11 Breakfast Spots to Know in Durham
Elmo’s Diner has been a local Durham favorite for more than twenty years, They’re a family-friendly diner with a hometown feel. The menu consists of traditional morning fare with Southern favorites. There is almost an overwhelming selection of food, but we think that breakfast or brunch is the way to go here.
Durham brunch guide: Top 19 spots
Elmo's Diner, Durham's renowned all-day breakfast spot, is celebrated for its variety of omelets, pancakes, and Southern favorites. Don't miss out on their delicious baked French toast and quiche. Known for being kid-friendly, Elmo's Diner welcomes families to enjoy their offerings from 7 a.m.
18 Amazing Things To Do With KIDS in Durham, NC (+ Map!)
Elmo’s Diner is a local diner that has been operating in the city of Durham for more than 20 years. The restaurant focuses on friendly service and delicious food that is made from scratch. Moreover, the restaurant offers comfortable seating.
For Visitors
Did you know you’re visiting the “Foodiest Small Town in America” (Bon Appetit)?. Or that Durham is the “Tastiest Town in the South” (Southern Living)?. Downtown Durham is home to more than 75 restaurants.
Brunch Durham North Carolina - Delicious Morning Dining
Elmo’s Diner – At Elmo’s Diner on Ninth Street, you can enjoy hearty brunch dishes all day long. From cinnamon apple pancakes to biscuits and gravy, they’ve got all your brunch favorites covered;
Best Breakfast in Durham, NC (2025) — 20 Top Places!
776 9th StDurham, NC 27705(919) 416-3823 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Elmo’s Diner, located in Old West Durham, stands as one of the go-to local eateries in Durham.
Durham, Our Hometown
Elmo’s Diner has been a local Durham favorite for more than twenty years. Located on Ninth Street, Elmo's serves fresh, delicious food in a family diner atmosphere.
23 Awesome Things To Do In Durham, NC With Kids (or Without)
A Durham breakfast institution is Elmo’s Diner on Ninth Street. It’s a casual, kid friendly restaurant with an extensive menu. Breakfast is served all day!
13 Best Brunch Spots in Durham, NC
776 9th St, Durham, NC 27705Phone: 919-416-3823 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Nathan Vanderhorst (@nathanblakev)
Terrific Breakfasts You Need to Try in Durham, NC
The convenient location on 9th street (just across from Vin Rouge) is a perfect spot to meet up over breakfast.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit