Big Bad Breakfast - Durham — Restaurant in Durham

Went to brunch here with some friends. When we were sat, the waitress informed us that the kitchen has a thirty minute hold up and to order sooner rather than later. We ordered immediately then. My partner had been told his meal had eggs and then she came back and apologized because that was not accurate. About 30 minutes later food came out, except mine. Was not given update when the food runner asked if we were missing anything and we informed her my food was not out. Then when the waitress checked in she was confused and asked what my meal was, I relayed the order in complete to her. Then she informed me that after talking to her manager that my food would be another 5-10 minutes and asked if I wanted to wait. What was I supposed to do? I was with others. My food come out, I noticed immediately that my biscuit was toast and asked for that. The scrambled eggs were dry and basically burnt in terms of eggs. Then my friends noticed that I was given fruit and not a hash cake, I'm hangry at this point due to low blood sugar. I had to ask her for it and then her response was I don't know what is going on. Then we are brought my hash cake, tasted like dirty fryer oil. When I got my food everyone else was finished. I'm annoyed and given no offer to make it better or a manager to come out and apologize. The drip coffee that we ordered was not refilled. The bills had to be redone as it was incorrect as well. She told us it was her second day. They should not have left her to run loose on her second day alone. I will not be going back. They left such a sour taste in my mouth by not having anyone talk and offer apologies to us except the poor waitress. The place seemed so...

Big Bad Breakfast in Durham truly lives up to its name! From the moment we walked in, we were impressed by the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The interior is beautifully designed, with a modern yet cozy vibe that makes you want to linger and enjoy your meal. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that we felt right at home and had everything we needed throughout our visit.

For our meal, I ordered the steak and eggs with a side of their spicy bacon, and I couldn’t have been happier with my choice. The steak was cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and seasoned just right—and the eggs were perfectly done. The spicy bacon added an extra kick of flavor that I absolutely loved; it’s a must-try if you visit. My wife went with the biscuits and gravy, and they were absolutely divine. The biscuits were fluffy and buttery, and the gravy was rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning. She also ordered a pancake, which was light, fluffy, and generously portioned—a great addition to her meal.

Beyond the food, the service really stood out. Our server was attentive and friendly, making sure our coffee cups stayed full and that we had everything we needed without being intrusive. The attention to detail was clear in both the food and the overall dining experience.

Big Bad Breakfast offers the perfect combination of great food, excellent service, and a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to start your day or a laid-back spot to enjoy with family and friends, this place is a top-notch choice. We’ll definitely be back next time...

What a delightful find. Our go-to breakfast place was line-out-the-door busy so we searched for great breakfast places. BBB stood out and off we went. Never have I been happier for too long a line. BBB was fantastic.

The first thing that struck us is that this delightful restaurant is much bigger than it appears from the outside. Yes they were busy, but we were just a party of two so we were seated right away.

Immediately greeted by a lovely young woman, Leah. From beginning to end she was terrific. Attentive but not hovering and conversational. She helped make our experience delightful. The ambience and decor is calm.

Now, the food. One of the best omelettes I’ve ever had. I’m not sure what kind of ham they use, but it’s absolutely delicious. Asking for light cheese can be very subjective. But they pulled it off perfectly. The mushrooms and spinach I added were wonderfully fresh and sautéed. Even the coffee was something special. They call it their “crankshaft“ blend. I took a cup to go because it was so good. My wife had the big bad skillet which she enjoyed very much. Too much for one sitting so she took some home.

This was a grand surprise and looking forward to going back and exploring the menu further.

By the way, the history of the restaurant is quite impressive. I mean, James Beard, impressive emanating from...