Cosmic Cantina
| Address: | 1920 Perry St, Durham, NC 27705, USA |
| Phone: | +1 919-286-1875 |
| Site: | cosmiccantina.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 11AM–4AM 11AM–4AM 11AM–4AM 11AM–4AM 11AM–4AM 11AM–4AM 11AM–4AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 10
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Molly Bierman
Not sure whether the haters who wrote the 1- and 2-star reviews were expecting some fancy pants cuisine or something, but for what it is, Cosmic knows how to get things done. They may be a little bold with their sign out front that reads "BEST MEXICAN FOOD ON THE PLANET", but dont write this place off! This joint is certainly unassuming at best -- you walk up this sketchy staircase to enter (rickety to the point that Im always nervous to do my walk down because Ill be carrying an extra few pounds of burrito baby), the menu is on a chalkboard, and I wouldnt linger in those bathrooms much longer than nature requires, but this is a quality cantina. They have an expansive menu (and theyre good about letting you customize things -- always a plus given how picky an eater I am), good margaritas, friendly staff, and fast service. The guacamole too is (pun intended, I couldnt help myself) out of this world, but they are best known for their burritos. They do take credit cards, which given the looks of the place always surprised me. The line at night (open until 4 AM) can get quite long, but dont worry -- it moves pretty fast. While I wouldnt probably bring someone here on a first date (or maybe I would, cause Im classy like that), I would certainly consider an aversion to this place to be a red flag. Surprisingly spacious especially if you consider the patio deck out back. Prices have gone up a little since I went there for the first time like 11 or so years ago, but its still very reasonable (easy to spend less than $10 including a drink). The music can get a little overwhelming sometimes and the cleanliness / general decor leaves a little to be desired (I have seen the occasional rat when seated outside), but Ill chalk those up as part of the ~*~*ambiance*~*~. Also - I definitely think the super friendly guy (old ish one, not the attractive young guy) who works the counter is drunk like over 50% of the times Ive been here.
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Matt Ferguson
The quality of food at Cosmic Cantina has definitely declined over the years. Among the three of us who visited Cosmic Cantina a few nights ago, one ordered the steak quesadilla and one, the steak chimichanga. The steak was overcooked and incredibly salty. Maybe the chicken wouldve been a better choice. The mole sauce was underwhelming, not even approaching the quality of mole served at nearby El Corral (not a restaurant known for high end, authentic Mexican food, mind you). While the tortilla chips were a point in Cantinas favor, everything else sort of sucked. Do keep in mind that the glowing reviews you read here are probably overwhelmingly posted by Duke students who wouldve eaten anything in their drunken stupor at 3 am.
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Chris Thompson
Considering Im not a Duke fan and also considering Im from Durham this place is still pretty good the problem seems to be there they minimize the amount of food they give you from lunch to dinner and of course when X the gentlemen seem not to recognize that we were customers there before very good place though the grilled vegetables with extra chicken and a Diet Coke was really good could do a lot more in the lobby area put a little more light in the corner considering the location but as always the cosmic experience was great its time to update it keep the location in the spot hidden rooftop sitting the whole nine yes but lets remember that we are the customers and keep the food coming cuz it was really good.
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Naseem Dillman-Hasso
The burritos at Cosmic Cantina are life changing. If you believe that Chipotle makes good burritos you havent been enlightened. The mixture of ingredients, and the ability of the workers to customize burritos allows for an explosion of flavors. Prices are extraordinarily reasonable, food preparation is rapid, and serving sizes are large. My usual favorite is the Deluxe Chicken Burrito, or if Im feeling particularly hungry, Giant Chicken Burrito, or for an afternoon snack a Mini Deluxe Chicken Burrito. I have not yet had anything bad here. Every once in a while, Horchata (a milk-like cold, refreshing, drink) comes on special and should NOT be passed up.
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Eric Todor
Im not a college student. When you go there, pay no attention to the condition of the bathroom (just avoid it completely), the noises the steps make on the way up or what the floors look like when you walk in. What you should focus on is the menu and all its wonderful things to choose from. The burittos are not loaded with sour cream and cheese, so you can actually taste the meal and the individual components of it. The portion sizes are good. Now if its 7pm in the evening this may not be my first choice to go to but if its after 10pm and youre looking for something tasty to eat, absolutely!
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Peter Patterson
A pre-show restaurant could not have a better location. Adjacent to and darn near a part of DPAC itself. It was booked solid before the Friday Steve Martin / Martin Short show, so we showed up early hoping to get a seat at a table in the bar. Got there at 5:30 and all tables were taken, but we got the first stools at the bar. They were comfortable. Service was efficient and friendly. The wine by the glass was excellent, and the food was very good. The appetizer special for the night was seared foie gras, and it was delicious. I followed this with a rib eye which was good but not great.
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Patricia Weaver Kennedy
When I lived in Durham, I ate here a lot! I love their giant pulled chicken chimichangas. It is huge enough to split with my husband and comes with salsa, sour cream, and guac. It may seem sketchy as you walk up, being on the 2nd floor, and past a graffiti filled stairwell, but once inside, the staff is responsive, nice, and the food is tasty and fast. There is a reason there is almost always someone in line here. They are open for lunch and then until the late late hours at night. This was our go-to place for late night meals or really any time.
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ee towns
This is the place to go when youre in the mood for mediocre food served by surly staff! When I feel like not being able to park or even find the damn place - Cosmic Cantina fits the bill! I just love how the staff treats you like a real jerk for asking about items on the menu and then serves your food with not so much as a smile as a cold shoulder with a real sense of inconvenience. Well done, Cosmic Cantina! And your food is bland and over cooked. Just what I wanted! I guess I need to be real drunk to enjoy this Durham treat.
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Ed Crabtree
Great food. Funky building. Fun. Dont let the creaky steps or the dive-y dining area fool you, Cosmic Cantina has been serving up awesome fresh Mex for give or take twenty years. Something magical happens when the burrito masters roll black beans, salsa, rice, sour cream, cheese, and guacamole together. Im not a vegetarian, but I seldom get meat here because I simply dont miss it. One, off the menu hint, if you like it spicy, have them put their own special hot sauce INSIDE your burrito.
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Andrew Brookens
Cosmic and Jorge who takes your order at the counter are amazing. Week in, week out, theyve been doing this since before I was a college student here 15-20 years ago, and no matter who walks up to the counter. Theyve exchanged and improved the menu. And theyve stuck to their guns-- the staples that keep Cosmic the first stop on my trip every time I come to town. Chicken quesadilla still has that unique sauce. #cosmicforever and #Jorgeforever!!
