Nectar Cafe — Restaurant in Durham

In Durham's Innovation District, where glass and steel are rapidly reshaping the skyline, Nectar Cafe anchors the ground floor of the gleaming new Geerhouse complex at 620 Foster Street. The cafe, open from dawn until dusk, represents a fresh vision of what a modern coffee destination can be, free from the exposed brick and reclaimed wood that have become local clichés.

The soaring interior, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and pristine concrete floors, creates a cathedral-like atmosphere for coffee worship, where expertly crafted lattes steal the show. These drinks, served in an environment that masterfully balances minimalist architecture with inviting design touches, have become a calling card for the establishment.

While many new developments struggle to create authentic community spaces, Nectar succeeds spectacularly. The thoughtfully designed patio, complete with mint-green bistro chairs and professional landscaping, welcomes both remote workers and their four-legged companions. Inside, the space transitions seamlessly from morning pastry pit-stop to lunch destination, offering a menu that spans from traditional breakfast fare to contemporary vegan and gluten-free options.

The cafe's commitment to inclusivity extends beyond its menu to its very design. The modern structure serves as a "third space" where Durham's diverse communities converge over croissants and cappuccinos. From 7 AM to 10 PM, the space hums with activity, its generous windows casting dramatic shadows across communal tables where entrepreneurs tap on laptops and friends linger over lunch.

Nectar manages to avoid the sterility that often plagues new construction cafes, instead creating an environment that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. It's a delicate balance, much like their perfectly pulled espresso shots – precise yet somehow still soulful.

Some might question whether Durham needed another coffee shop, but Nectar's thoughtful execution and stellar lattes answer with a resounding yes. In a district rapidly establishing its identity, Nectar feels both thoroughly modern and...

The folks at Foster St Coffee (owners)have done it again with this new location called Nectar! Excellent atmosphere superbly appointed in the new Geer House building. It's a big city vibe in up and coming Durham, but with an impressive interior and exterior that invite you to stay awhile. Well done to Dan and team for pulling this off. I'd love to highly recommend it, but it's the double edge sword of revealing the hip new spot and having it become overrun with hipsters and long lines. I'll be back, and wish the team all the success that comes with doing something this well. Even if it means I won't get the best table or zero lines someday.

Oh, and if you're Gluten Free like me, you'll LOVE all the GF pastry options they have (as of this writing at least). Try the Frangipane!

No pour overs here though, sadly. If that's your jam, walk a few blocks to Cocoa Cinnamon and over pay for a delicious cup.

But, seriously, Few places in Durham can match this vibe. And let's be honest, that's at least half the attraction of the third space...

Had the worst experience with the owner, I had called ahead to say a big group of us would be coming as a part of a club we run. The person on the call wrote down my details and said if something changes, I will call you.

We showed up on the supposed time of reservation, the store attendants called the owner, the owner forget acknowledging that the reservation was made, instead refused to even come up and address the situation and when I went up to her, she was like it is what it is, can't help.

We went there as a club to support local businesses, but the owner needs a class on how to behave with consumers, never...