6 New (& Coming Soon) Durham County Restaurants

A new set of restaurants are making plans in Durham, and we've spoken to them all to share the news. First, you find Tipsy Bull Sports Bar, which opened last month and is serving guests. The rest are all pending and coming soon, so find out more below.

The Tipsy Bull Sports Bar

Address: 800 Taylor St, Suite 6, Durham, NC 27703

Status: Open

What to expect: Boutique sports bar focused on inclusivity and community, with special emphasis on women’s sports. Seating for ~75 inside plus 20 outdoors; can scale up for private events via the connected art gallery.

Menu highlights: Pork belly (app or plate), red snapper, salmon cheesesteak, trio of house-made dips (spinach, buffalo chicken, seafood), carrot salad with Asian flavors, lemon chicken basil wrap.

Hours: 11 a.m.–midnight; adjusted for major sporting events.

Who’s behind it: Owner Porcelain Mills with partners Fasil Tesfaye and Nicholas Pettiford.

Read the article.

LRB Provisions

Address: 2009 Guess Rd, Durham, NC 27705

Status: Opening very soon.

What to expect: Walk-up takeaway in a renovated former Dog House building with limited outdoor seating. Lunch-first approach with possible to-go dinners on select weekends. Beer and wine planned after licensing.

Menu highlights: Rotating sandwiches, soups, salads, and house breads (rye, semolina rolls, hot dog buns). 780-lb smoker for house pastrami and smoked trout. Weekend bialy with smoked-trout schmear. Desserts include the “Barkie” cookie and a miso–black sesame rice crispy treat. “Throwback Thursday” hot dog specials.

Hours: Thu–Mon, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Closed Tue/Wed.

Who’s behind it: Chef-owner Amanda Orser (Magnolia Grill; Lantern; opening chef at Littler).

Read the article.

Situation

Address: 2102 Angier Ave, Durham, NC 27703 (companion diner planned next door at 2100 Angier Ave)

Status: Targeting a January opening, pending final licensing.

What to expect: Adult-focused small-plate lounge with a plush layout — lounge side, bar side, and center seating — plus TVs, a small stage, and late-night programming (comedy, open mic, karaoke, speed dating, live music). Daytime business-friendly vibe.

Menu highlights: Tapas-style small plates as a “home of small plates” (not strictly Spanish): early plans include empanadas, crab cakes, wings, fries, and other shareables.

Hours: Daily noon–2 a.m.; late-night takeout window 2–4 a.m.

Who’s behind it: Owner Anthony Harris; connected diner for breakfast/lunch and a Sunday brunch targeted for early 2026 with accordion doors between spaces.

Read the article.

Jean’s “By the Sea”

Address: 617 Hicks St, Durham, NC 27705

Status: Early 2026 opening.

What to expect: Casual neighborhood fish-shack energy reimagining a former hot dog stand. ~30 seats inside, counter ordering, plus a big patio and lawn for lingering.

Menu highlights: Oysters as the star; seasonal small plates (chowder in colder months, ceviche in warmer), Calabash-style baskets, classic sandwiches, playful rotating specials, and a kids’ menu. Cocktails, beer, and wine planned.

Hours: Planned ~11 a.m.–10 p.m., five days a week (kitchen likely until ~9 p.m.).

Who’s behind it: Owner Kate Elia (20+ years in the wine industry), aiming to “create community through food, wine and beverage.”

Read the article.

Lutra Café & Bakery

Address: 312 Blackwell St, Durham, NC 27701

Status: Aiming for early 2026 opening.

What to expect: Brick-and-mortar home for the popular pop-up bakery at American Tobacco Campus. Daily café 7 a.m.–3 p.m. with counter service on weekdays and full-service brunch on weekends. Expanded bread program and a robust breakfast/lunch lineup for dine-in and takeout.

Menu highlights: Signature orange sweet bun; savory brioche spirals; breakfast sandwiches; biscuits and gravy; granola bowls; “100-layer hash browns.” Preview brunches and market pop-ups continue until opening.

Hours: Planned daily 7 a.m.–3 p.m.; weekend brunch service.

Who’s behind it: Chef-owner Chris McLaurin (Rose’s; former chef de cuisine at Poolside Pies in Ashley Christensen’s group), merging pastry and savory chops.

Read the article.

Bubbakoo’s Burritos

Address: 8202 Renaissance Pkwy, #103, Durham, NC 27713

Status: Opening in December (Durham). Cary location planned 4–5 months later.

What to expect: Fast-casual, build-your-own Mexican-fusion format. Final buildout and staff training ahead of debut.

Menu highlights: Bowls, burritos, tacos, salads, nachos, and loaded fries with customizable proteins, toppings, and sauces.

Hours: To be announced.

Who’s behind it: Franchisees Yash and Vidhi Patel (multi-unit agreement; prior operators of Hummus Republic in Jacksonville).

Read the article.