Devine's Restaurant & Sports Bar — Restaurant in Durham

I am 3 years late to this review. That's because I rarely write reviews, and I only take the time when it has a profound impact. However, I never really thought much of Devine's food during my time at Duke. This place was more like a habit for me. I had always appreciated their fine gourmet qualities, but it was never anything eye-opening, say like a Michelin. But we know this bar is not intended to be like one. Its purpose was to serve the locals with the best bar food NC could provide, and it was always on the spot. When I think of Durham, I can only think of few places iconic, and Devine's indeed is.

I've been to the bar only a handful of times, but I had fun. Great music, great atmosphere. But the food.

It's been 3 years, but I still cannot forget their fried ravioli with marinara sauce + hot wings + fries routine. Fried ravioli is the best I've had in my life - with just the right breaded crunch, moist fillings, and rich sauce. This was a quality I could not find anywhere else - it was always perfect. Hot wings, though there is Heavenly Buffaloes near the establishment, were neck-to-neck. Sometimes, it was Messi, sometimes Ronaldo, but always world-class. Right amount of sauce, copious amount of moistness, and an extravaganza of delicious. Their fries, especially on their good day, are the best I've ever had.

When I return to Durham, this would be my go-to munchie 3 days in a week, easy. Along with M Koko, M Sushi and Heavenly Buffaloes, Devine's for me will always remain in my heart as one of...

I purchased the Half Sandwich and Soup (WENT WITH THE CHILI INSTEAD!) by phone. Adam answered the phone and had a friendly, prompt, greeting. He took my order, asking me which sandwich I wanted. Even asking me which bread options I wanted (I had three options), and if I wanted it cold or toasted.

I went with the Turkey on Rye, toasted. I chose to try Devine's Famous Chili, instead of the soup of the day. He said it would be ready in 10 minutes. I arrived a little after 10 minutes and the food was ready to go. The staff was friendly and prompt.

The Turkey sandwich was very good, with standard lettuce, tomato, and a very good portion of turkey meat on it. The chili was fantastic, and had a nice subtle spice.

I didn't know it when I ordered, but the sandwich and chili also came with a side of their homemade chips I believe. I'm not sure if I was supposed to get the chips, or if they just included them to be nice, but it was a nice surprise.

This was a great first choice for me, and I'm excited to try other things off...

The wings were good, but the service was somewhat bad. When we got there, young skinny, white guy with hair in a pony tail greeted us, but with a seemingly "why are you here" type greeting. He was then our waiter. He kept asking us if we needed anything and we would tell him, he would come back and forget things. Then kept telling us prices which were wrong when we got our bill. He proceeded to tell us he couldn't do anything about the prices because they were in the system not to mention that the prices ARE wrong on the menus. We ordered 16 wings, menu price is 13.75 I believe, our receipt said 14.00, the waiter told us our drinks were 5.50 and 6.00 and when we got the receipt they both said 6.25. But the waiter was a bit rude and said well I can't change the price because its in the system. Even though it CLEARLY had the prices on the menu. Guy didn't have much personality Until it was check time of course !!! OK to eat but not really...