Federal — Restaurant in Durham

I wish I could give the service less than 1 star. We walked in and there was a sign that read “Wait to be seated”, so we did. The bartender looked directly at us and said absolutely nothing. It was quite empty at the time (3 other tables and 2 people sitting at the bar). Eventually we walked to the bar and asked if we could just sit anywhere. We were told it would be about 10 more mins just to be seated because she was working alone so we asked if we could just sit at the bar. She told us we could but it would still be 10 more minutes. Ok, fine. We don’t mind waiting at all but she acted pretty annoyed by the fact that we didn’t want to stand at the door. Then she proceeded to walk past us 3 more times without even so much as bringing water or utensils. We watched her walk past us empty handed a few times. Once she went to grab utensils for another couple and another time to clean trash off of a table. Then a gentleman behind the bar also walked past us without even acknowledging our presence. I felt no sense of courtesy. Someone could have at least asked what we were drinking. It wasn’t busy at all and they both were moving at a snails pace. Eventually we just walked out and will not...

The best feature is its food. It also typically has good beers, but they have a habit of running out. Not typically a bar for a big "scene," probably due to a limited number of TVs, no bar games, and not much space.

The food, though. The food is real good. One of your best options on Main street. Their standby pub fare is great. Awesome fries and nachos. The duck meat they put on their poutine is tender and delicious and probably bad for you.

The specials menu has some real gems. The chef here is making moves. For unbelievably reasonable prices you can get stuff like wild boar and venison. Some dishes are dressed with fancy stuff like pomegranate seeds. They have some dishes that are creative and interesting. I recall on one visit ordering a "reuben" that was actually composed entirely of vegetarian materials. Of course, every once in a while they miss the mark, but that is the nature of creating new, experimental dishes. Especially when you are doing it for less than $20 a plate. Often closer to $15.

Drop in, order something off the specials menu and pair it with one of the local beers on tap. It's unlikely you will be...

I've been going there for more than 10 years.

Great food!

Normally, very good beer.

Great atmosphere. However.......

Very bad experience this day with a take out salad (and the only reason I'm doing this review is based on the rudeness of the server)..

Stopped on my way from Ft. Bragg to GSO. Ordered food to go. Got home and the salad (beet) was the worst I've ever seen in my life (53 years). Cost was $9. Perhaps worth $3. Too bad one can't post a photo.

Contacted the Federal and spoke to my server, Aeljandro, who was terse, rude, and non-accommodating (perhaps the 20% tip wasn't enough?).

Recommend you not deal with this person as by all accounts while he seems to be a very good server, doesn't understand anything about the meaning of customer service or satisfaction. Caveat de Emptor

btw. I have never written anything like this. The conversation, and product, warrants this. Major disappointment in that I (and my friends and family) LOVE...