Best American Restaurant in East Durham, NC

Thoughtful Southern Comfort Pairings in Durham, Combining Chicken and Waffles for Breakfast, Brunch, and Dinner.
Dame’s Chicken & Waffles in Durham

Dame’s Chicken & Waffles in Durham

Our Durham location is located on South Driver Street in the heart of the historic Old East Durham neighborhood. We are just a short drive from the bustling Golden Belt Campus and the scenic trails of Merrick-Moore Park. Whether you are exploring the nearby Cleveland-Holloway district or heading toward downtown’s vibrant landmarks, our cozy spot offers the perfect local retreat for world-class comfort food and Southern hospitality.
Dame’s Chicken & Waffles

Dame’s Chicken & Waffles

Address: 455 S Driver St, Durham, NC 27703 Phone Number: +1 919-682-9235 Service Hours: Sunday: 10 am–3 pm Monday: 10 am–3 pm Tuesday: 9 am–8 pm Wednesday: 9 am–8 pm Thursday: 9 am–8 pm Friday: 9 am–9 pm Saturday: 9 am–9 pm
Signature Pairings, Finished with Care

Signature Pairings, Finished with Care

• House Specialties: All-day favorites including chicken and waffle pairings, fresh salads, and comforting entrées prepared daily. • Drizzles: Thoughtfully prepared finishes designed to complement each waffle style without overpowering the plate. • Inspirations: Iconic chicken and waffle combinations that define Dame’s creative approach and consistent quality. • Shmears: Sweet crème butters whipped with fresh ingredients to complete each waffle with balance and care.

Simple Ordering, Your Way

Enjoy Dame’s Chicken & Waffles your way with easy ordering options for dine-in, takeout, or delivery. Our process is built for speed and clarity, so you can focus on enjoying fresh, daily-made favorites without hassle. Whether at home or on the go, Dame’s makes ordering simple and reliable.

Our menu features Almost World Famous Chicken & Waffles, fresh salads like the Orchard Patch Poppy Salad, and creative waffle options including vegan, sweet potato, and gingerbread styles. Each dish is prepared daily and served in generous portions, offering comfort-focused combinations that keep guests coming back from breakfast through dinner.

Events Made Easy with Dame’s

Events Made Easy with Dame’s

Dame’s offers full-service catering for in-house and off-site events, featuring our Almost World Famous Chicken & Waffles and more. Menus are customized to fit your event needs and handled on a first-come basis. Requests should be submitted at least five business days in advance to ensure availability and smooth service.
Priority Seating Made Simple

Priority Seating Made Simple

Reservations at Dame’s provide priority seating with the first available table. We welcome parties of 1 to 8, with larger groups accepted based on space and availability. Whether planning a casual meal or a small gathering, reservations help make your visit relaxed and well-timed at either location.

Durham’s Top Choice for World-Class Comfort

Local diners consistently praise Dame’s Chicken & Waffles for its perfectly seasoned, crispy fried chicken and fluffy, world-class waffles. Semantic analysis of recent reviews highlights overwhelming love for our signature "schmears" and savory "drizzles," with the cheese grits and Mimi's Sassy Shrimp often cited as standout favorites. Guests frequently mention the warm, homey atmosphere and generous portions that make every visit to South Driver Street a memorable Durham dining experience.

What our guests are saying

The most succulent, beautifully seasoned fried chicken cutlet I have ever eaten. I skipped the waffles for cheesy grits and eggs over easy. Pure joy. The hosts are warm. The service is excellent. The photos and other wall displays are a great reminder (or instructor) of Durham’s rich Black history. Its location is out of the way, and it's worth your time to get there.

Jane R.

Jane R.

My son and I enjoyed it thoroughly , had opportunity to catch up with Mr. Dame while we were there… it’s nothing like the chicken and waffles and the options of different smears to choose from (special edition to the downtown Durham skyline)—congratulations, DAME. You’re killing it.

Eddie L.

Eddie L.

I’ve never dined in so I can’t vouch for the service or atmosphere, but I can definitely vouch for the FOOD. I’ve ordered delivery from here 3-4 times now, and it is consistently delicious and filling. The portions are huge, the chicken is always well-seasoned, and the grits are perfectly buttered. This has quickly become my favorite breakfast spot in Durham. 10/10 - Highly recommend!!

Eboni M.

Eboni M.

Featuring

Delivery

Takeout

Dine In

Catering

Reservations

Kids' Menu

Great Cocktails

Private Dining Room

Dame’s Chicken & Waffles Rewards

Dame’s Chicken & Waffles Rewards

Join our rewards program, earn points every time you order online, and redeem your points for free food! .

Frequently Asked Questions

Our locations