Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken
| Address: | 302 Davidson Ave, Durham, NC 27704, USA |
| Phone: | +1 919-220-9028 |
| Site: | alpacachicken.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 11AM–9PM Closed 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 14
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Brianne Cellemme
I used to go here all the time when it was Mami Noras. I loved it! Now that it switched over to Alpaca, it just isnt the same. The quality and quanitity of the food has been on a gradual decline ever since it changed. I used to be able to share the 1/4 chicken plate plus an extra side with another person, not the 1/4 chicken plate is barely enough for me alone. I guess they have been buying smaller chickens. You used to get two big pieces of chicken on the 1/4 chicken plate, now there is only one. My usual sides, the yucca frites and the coleslaw were different too. The Yucca fries were somehow soggy on the outside, but crunchy on the inside. Should be the other way around. The slaw had obviously sat in the cooler too many days (yes, I said DAYS), as it was also soggy and swimming in a flavorless, watery mayo dressing. Even the famous yellow sauce wasnt the same. No flavor at all. I was willing to over look the bad location and lack of both parking and seating when the food was good, but now I see no reason to go back.
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Beth Mandel
Got takeout from here recently on my boyfriends strong recommendation and it was AMAZING. We got a whole rotisserie chicken cut into 8 pieces with yucca fries and sweet plaintains for just $14.50 plus tax. The food was incredible and the price extremely reasonable. We had lots of leftovers. The yucca fries were a really interesting take on typical fries, much thicker and starchier, but great in the provided dipping sauce. And of course the sweet plaintains were to die for. If you like hot stuff, definitely ask for an extra ramekin of green sauce. Great food great prices. Get takeout or go when its not busy because there are very few tables and a SUPER small parking lot. Worth a visit and many returns.
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Kevin Harvey
Ive only ordered take out from here. Im not sure dining in would be the greatest experience - the place is tiny, and when Ive been inside, there are always a bunch of people waiting for their pick up order. That said, it did seem pretty clean, though not fancy or modern. But the dining experience and ambiance isnt why you go here. You get food from Alpaca because it is delicious. Know how you normally get white meat and its dried out? I dont know how they do it, but their chicken is juicy and tender and incredible. The seasoning is perfect, the sides are great, and maybe most importantly, its pretty cheap. Get the half chicken and two sides and its enough for two people.
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Ben Cunningham
Alpaca is amazing! It used to be called "Mami Noras" back when the current owners mother ran the place. It was just one restaurant in Durham, and now theyve expanded to multiple locations. I have a friend who served in the Peace Corps for many years, and one the places she was stationed was Peru. She has said that Alpaca has the most authentic Peruvian food shes ever had (outside of Peru, of course). The chicken is cooked in imported charcoal cookers. The flavors are just out of this world! One of my favorite sides is the Yucca fries. Theyre made from cactus and are surprisingly tasty (especially with some good dipping sauce). I would highly recommend.
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Meilinn Tram
This is such an awesome restaurant. They cook whole chickens daily and the sides are delicious. Not to mention, their green and yellow sauces enhance the flavors even more bringing it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Nothing was overly salty or seasoned. The sides complimented the chicken well. For the two of us, we ordered a whole chicken that we got with two free sides (15.50) and upgraded the sides to premium (additional 0.50 cost for each) and it cost us under $20 with left overs.
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Shoni Freeman
One of the best rotisserie chickens Ive ever had, hands down. You wont want grocery store roti again after you try this! We love this place, and love is a strong word. They are closed on Tuesdays, so dont set yourself up for disappointment by showing up on that day and leaving hungry. The whole chicken plus two sides is perfect for 2-3 people. Their maduros/platanos are some of the best Ive had in a long time -- rivaling the Dominican spots we used to visit in West New York. So good...
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Danielle Blount
Skip the whole chickens you buy from grocery stores and make this your first stop! You wont find a better place for a quick meal with a great price around. My fiance and I prefer dark meat Alpaca is happy to accommodate (and if you prefer white meat, they will happily oblige!). This has quickly become our go-to for a quick meal - you can get out the door with a full chicken and 2 sides for under $20!!!! Dont forget the sauces, they are truly delicious!
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Garry McCormick
This is what I would call a causal, cozy, Peruvian themed and small restaurant. Walk up to register, place order and pay and they give you a little beeper to tell you when food is ready. The chicken was very tasty and hot ( not spicy hot but heat hot). There was some spices added that enhanced the flavor. I came here with a few locals. A little off the main road and if you didnt know anything about this place the average person would drive by.
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Maria Melendez
Es una buena opción para nosotros los latinos. No me gusta que el pollo parezca crudo por dentro, me da asco. Pero supuestamente es el estiilo. Deberían de tener otro tipo de frijol, no sólo el negro.
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A Private User
I found this little place full of flavor. It is obvious the place may be a bit small and not nearby a flamboyant mall, but oh boy! Peruvian food is definitely different from any other Latin American food. I confess that I have easily upset all Latin American food by calling them “mexican like”, without a doubt, this is nothing like it. Don’t take my word for it, go and try it, won’t be disappointed.
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Stacey Johnson
i drive a good way to come there and the portions or the chicken size seems to vary. They are very reluctant to pack up the sauce where it wont waste in the bag . Sometimes they are very friendly other times its like what do you want? Maybe the staff is just too young to realize what the owner has built. The chicken is good but not as good as Guapos in Woodbridge Va.
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Julie K
Great "cheap eats" kind of place - a little divey but sooooo tasty! The Peruvian rotisserie chicken, served with a mild yellow and a spicy green sauce, is moist and flavorful with a crispy skin. I dont know how they prepare their white rice, but it is absolutely delicious. The black beans were just ok and the flan was not good.
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Banks Dixon
Been eating here for quite sometime. Still call it Mami Noras. The location is a bit odd but theyve really done a great job making it feel welcome inside. Its one of our regular spots. We get takeout from here probably on average every couple weeks. The chicken is always good, and we always get some yellow and green sauce.
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Drue Eberhart
A hidden gem just outside Old North Durham. Lots of delicious sides and entree options. Definitely give their purple corn drink a try(I forget the name, of course.) The staff is very friendly, the inside eating area is clean and pleasant. I would not be surprised if this place suddenly becomes a go-to place in Durham.
