Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Restaurant
| Address: | 2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707, USA |
| Phone: | +1 919-401-2600 |
| Site: | guglhupf.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | Closed 8AM–9:30PM 8AM–9:30PM 8AM–9:30PM 8AM–10PM 8AM–10PM 9AM–5PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 6
JE
Jerry McGrath
My experience with Guglhupf is an uncomfortably familiar one - indicative of the type of declining experience one can expect in this type of "fend for yourself" setting in which service and care have been abandoned in favor of smoke and mirrors. I stood in a very cramped line to order my brunch at a register, where my order was (eventually) taken by a rather somber man who looked as though he would just assume punch me than cater to my needs as a customer. I ordered an omelette with a single pancake for a side, with a glass of water. The water I served myself from a soda fountain further down the line. I was given a number and went to join my friends on the outdoor patio. My food arrived promptly, but with little care. I was not asked if I needed anything else. In fact, I had to get up to retrieve my own silverware - it was not provided to me nor was I alerted to this extra step I would need to take before sitting down. I noticed my pancake was not served with butter, so I asked the nearest server if there was any available - to which she replied simply, "yes", and then vanished into the void, never to be heard from again. I hope she found peace. I ended up having to go back into the restaurant yet again to fetch my own butter which, it turns out, is served nearly frozen. Not the most appropriate for a delicate, fluffy pancake. The food was ok. Quite basic - nothing to write home about, but not bad, either. The portions were on the small side and the ingredients used were sparse. The omelette was a bit limp. The pancake was flavorful, despite being ripped to shreds as a result of its battle with the granite-like brick of frozen butter. The real tragedy here was the price - I paid far too much money for this basic brunch, and would not have been satisfied at a full-service restaurant. But to pay these prices for the privilege of serving MYSELF - for standing in line and wandering around the place searching for utensils, butter, a beverage and whatever else I might have needed, is utterly unacceptable. Fosters Market next door has much better food, in much more generous portions, for a more reasonable sum - and they are far more welcoming and helpful. If, however, you want to experience the lawlessness of a political coup while getting a tremendous leg and cardio workout, Guglhupfs over-crowded exercise in "how to get your own damn fork" is just what youre after!
KA
Kasey Thornton
Guglhupf is a big reason why I regret not living in Durham. I have very few opportunities to drive through Guglhupfs neighborhood, making it very difficult for me to patronize this place as much as I wish I could. But I look for any excuse I can find to get over there. This place is—I THINK—best described as a modern Euro-cafe, but dont picture a cramped, uncomfortable space with too-few tables and chairs. The spacious, well-lit architecture coupled with the cozy lighting make this place right on target in the atmosphere department. Perfect for a family get-together, a first date, or even for treating yourself to some much-needed alone-time; its hard to feel lonely in a place so lovely. The food is unrivaled, with recipes and dishes that you likely cant find anywhere else in the state. Their menu is on their website, but dont be intimidated by things youve never tried or cannot pronounce. Barring any allergies or food sensitivities, you cant go wrong in the taste department. The only reason I give it four stars is because of the prices. This is not a place that your average middle-class family would go on a weekly basis, but for a special occasion, theres no place better. And dont get me started on the bakery... <3
RO
Rover Lesley
Had an early birthday dinner here with friends around 6pm on a Saturday. They took our reservation and had a big table waiting for us upstairs. The restaurant was almost empty at 6pm, but was full by the time we left around 8pm. The menu includes a variety of German dishes served with sides like cheese noodles. The food was excellent, and the prices were about as expected for a somewhat upscale restaurant ($15-25 per entree). Small dishes were served and salads for less cost. The restaurant had a great selection of German beer, again moderately priced $4-7 per bottle. We had excellent service at our table, and appreciated them splitting our checks across a large group of 12-14 people. Very nice atmosphere in the restaurant with a two-story, open atrium, and modern lighting. Great outdoor area for eating on warm days and nights. Parking lot seems small, so that could be an issue when the restaurant and baked goods area are busy. Otherwise, great food in Durham. Nice to see this once small bakery expand and do so well as a full scale restaurant.
BI
Bill Waldorf
There arent a lot of eateries out there like this. Anywhere. Pleasantly surprised to have a friend refer me to Guglhupf. Ive been 3 times since my first visit, almost two years ago and will be back many times. Unique place, unique menu, cool atmosphere. Super crowded for brunch (especially when the weather is good) but worth the wait. The deserts come from their in house bakery and although some of the plates and portion sizes are on the smaller side, it fits with what theyre trying to do here. The service is neither overbearing or especially impressive but genuine and unobtrusive. Maybe not for everyone but certainly my kind of service. I wish there were more places like this around the triangle and am looking forward to seeking them out as the area grows. Unlike some of the other "upper echelon" restaurants Ive been to around the area, this place doesnt feel as though its catering to trends or a trend seeking crowd. They are truly doing their own thing at Guglhupf. Loved the music too, nothing youd hear at a chain...
BE
Beth Mandel
Perfect place to WFH during the week - free wifi, and the upstairs is cozy with the perfect mix of not too loud but not a ghost town either. Just enough distraction. I usually grab the potato-leek tart (delicious) with a side salad (a great staple), and then an iced cafe mocha (in my opinion, the best one to be found anywhere in Durham). There are lots of other delicious things on the menu, like the turkey, brie and cranberry panini, and their delicious german potato salad. Then on my way out Ill pick up one of their many amazing fresh breads in the bakery to go with whatever Ill cook for dinner. I tend to stay away on the weekend because its always slammed and you cant find anywhere to sit or park. Their Oktoberfest festival is always a blast though, and worth fighting the crowds to get a berliner or a soft pretzel, and some Spaten Oktoberfest.
J
J R
The bakery and baked goods are great but on the restaurant side the complete lack of table service or a host of any kind to manage the chaos of getting a table makes going to this place a nightmare. The level of chaos when you walk in on the weekend is frankly not worth it. The fend for yourself situation of finding a free table on the restaurant side brings out the worst in people and really makes coming here more painful than its worth. My suggestion to the management is get control of your place by managing seating so you can improve the experience of your guests. Even if you still choose of path of no table service at least be responsible hosts and show some interest in the treatment of your customers. To guests if you are looking for a relaxed comfortable place with any form of service this is definitely not it.
