inside
1 / 10

Elmo's Diner

,

A beloved Durham diner serving classic American comfort food with a friendly vibe and breakfast served all day. A local favorite for over two decades.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
inside

Elmo's Diner

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved Durham diner serving classic American comfort food with a friendly vibe and breakfast served all day. A local favorite for over two decades.

"Amazing food and even better service. Highly recommend!!"

TIP

Arrive Early

Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.

Explore the Menu

Don't hesitate to try different specialties like veggie burgers or fiesta bowls for a varied dining experience.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 7AM

Cuisine

American Diner

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(919) 416-3823

Address

776 9th St, Durham, NC 27705, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

All-Day Breakfast Favorites

All-Day Breakfast Favorites

Enjoy classic breakfast dishes like fluffy pancakes, hearty omelets, and perfectly cooked scrambled eggs, available any time of day.

Famous Shrimp and Grits

Famous Shrimp and Grits

A must-try signature dish that's praised for its unmatched flavor and quality, a true taste of Southern comfort.

Cozy Diner Atmosphere

Cozy Diner Atmosphere

Experience a classic American diner vibe with comfortable booths and friendly service, perfect for families and students alike.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Arrive Early

Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.

Explore the Menu

Don't hesitate to try different specialties like veggie burgers or fiesta bowls for a varied dining experience.

Off-Peak Visits

Visit during non-peak hours for a more relaxed and less crowded dining experience.

Breakfast All Day

Highly recommended for breakfast options, perfect for starting your day right at any time.

Tips

from all over the internet

Arrive Early

Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends, to avoid long wait times.

Explore the Menu

Don't hesitate to try different specialties like veggie burgers or fiesta bowls for a varied dining experience.

Off-Peak Visits

Visit during non-peak hours for a more relaxed and less crowded dining experience.

Breakfast All Day

Highly recommended for breakfast options, perfect for starting your day right at any time.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Elmo's Diner is celebrated for its excellent, all-day breakfast options and incredibly friendly service, creating a welcoming atmosphere that draws in students and families alike. While many praise the delicious food and value, a few reviews mention a lack of flavor in some dishes and an unfortunate incident involving service animal policies. Overall, it's a highly recommended spot for a comforting diner experience.

"Amazing food and even better service. As a fellow restaurant manager I officially approve this place. My home fries were perfectly cooked, breakfast burrito was spot on with great sausage crumbles, tasted like homemade sausage. The grits were great. Simple wholesome food, served to perfection. Thank you Elmo's, I will be back!"

Vincent Stephan

"I had a wonderful experience at Elmo's Diner! I tried the pancakes along with a plain omelette filled with turkey soy and American cheddar cheese, and I couldn't be happier with my choices.

The pancakes were fluffy and delicious, perfectly sweetened and served hot. The omelette was cooked just right, with the turkey soy adding a nice savory flavor, complemented beautifully by the melted American cheddar.

I also ordered the apple cinnamon on the side, which was a delightful touch—sweet and spiced, it paired perfectly with the pancakes.

The diner has a cozy atmosphere, and the staff was friendly and attentive. I highly recommend Elmo's Diner for a tasty breakfast or brunch!"

Emad Sorour

"An old school diner vibe which was cool but the food lacks flavor. Nothing we ate had any seasoning. The service was the best part of our meal. Our waiter was great and the hostess was super friendly. Great people, but I would not return here."

Kay

What People Like

Friendly and attentive staff
Delicious all-day breakfast
Comfortable diner atmosphere

What People Dislike

Occasional lack of seasoning
Service animal policy concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

Elmo's Diner is famous for its Shrimp and Grits, and also highly recommended are their breakfast items like pancakes and omelets, which are served all day.

Google Review

Yes, Elmo's Diner offers vegetarian options and has a special menu highlighting vegan choices.

Google Review

Yes, Elmo's Diner is very popular, especially on weekend mornings. Arriving early or visiting during off-peak hours is recommended to avoid long waits.

Google Review+1

Elmo's Diner has a classic, homey diner vibe with comfortable booths and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it a welcoming spot for everyone.

Best Restaurants in Durham

Reservations are not typically mentioned, but due to its popularity, arriving early or being prepared for a wait is advised.

Google Review

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

Thrillist

Fun Things to Do in Durham, North Carolina, Including Exploring Duke University

Affordable Bites: For more college-towny stuff, head to 9th Street near campus and Elmo’s Diner, a Blue Devil staple that’s big for hungover brunches. For something a little quicker, pop into Monuts, a donut shop and bakery that’s become a student-body obsession. Lunch at Chicken Hut should also be on your agenda, as it’s been plating up soul food in Durham since 1957.

Visit Source →
751 South

Best Restaurants in Durham

Elmo’s Diner: Elmo’s Diner has everything you want from a classic American diner: comfy booths, endless coffee refills, and breakfast all day, every day. This locally owned and operated diner is a hot spot for Duke students and Durham families alike, and the casual atmosphere and friendly servers keep people coming back. The menu is extensive, but you can’t go wrong with anything you choose—and there’s even some vegetarian options for those who choose to forgo all the breakfast meats.

Visit Source →
Goats On The Road

15 Best Cafes in Durham (NC) in 2023

As the name suggests, Elmo’s is definitely more of a diner than a cafe, but it still earns a place on my list. Having been there many times, I think the food and coffee are excellent and can compete with any of the local cafes, (guests I’ve taken with me agree too). Though I’m sure you could go in for just a coffee, I’d suggest going to Elmo’s if you’re also looking for some food as there’s often a wait to get seated (as it’s so popular) and the food is not to be missed.

Visit Source →
Discover Durham

3-Day Kid-Friendly Itinerary in Durham

From Elmo’s, take the short drive to the Museum of Life and Science, the perfect stop for children of all ages. Carve out around four to five hours to discover the Dinosaur Trail, experience the Earth Moves exhibit, trek through Hideaway Woods, and more. And don't worry about leaving the premises for lunch: with seating available both indoors and on the covered patio, the whole family can rest and grab lunch at the museum’s Sprout Café.

Visit Source →
Durham Magazine

Our Staff Shares Their Fave Local, Family-Friendly Restaurants

I know everyone will say this, but Elmo’s is so great for kids. We go there for emergency pancakes or when we just don’t want to make dinner. My boys, Eli, 6, and James, 2, share a large order of sweet potato or pumpkin pancakes, and each get a side order of turkey sausage … which they dip in the whipped cream that comes with the pancakes, because kids are weird.” – Briana Brough, Chief Visual Officer and Director of Photography

Visit Source →
Chapel Hill Magazine

Our Staff Shares: Favorite Family-Friendly Restaurants

Visit Source →
The Independent

North Carolina tobacco trail: How downtown Durham went from dangerous to hip

Strolling around, I get no sense of danger, just the buzz that comes with a city in full phoenix mode. The Quarter Horse Bar and Arcade is Eighties nostalgia with the fun ramped up, the only economic decline in evidence that of my friend Vann’s wallet. A jogging group of around 50 meet in the Fullsteam brewery as the sun begins to set on another hot Carolinian day, while Elmo’s Diner takes the Americana vibe up a notch.

Visit Source →
Go To Destinations

Brunchin' in Durham: The Best Breakfast in Durham - 2024

Elmo’s Diner has been a beloved establishment in Durham for over two decades, with a loyal customer base of repeat patrons. The team at Elmo’s takes pride in offering friendly and efficient service, as well as serving fresh, homemade food that will make customers feel like they’re eating a home-cooked meal. Elmo’s does not use mixes or instant meals and all desserts and soups are made from scratch.

Visit Source →
Oak Rowan Foodie

15 Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Durham, NC 2023

Shining bright as a local Durham favorite for over two decades, you can never go wrong with Elmo’s Diner for classic breakfast food. As its name suggests, the spot has a homey diner vibe with a feel-good ambiance and efficient service. The meals are prepared with love and attention, offering a variety of dishes made from scratch every day.

Visit Source →
Global Viewpoint

Top 10 Places to Eat

Since opening its doors in 1997, Elmo’s Dinerhas become a beloved part of Durham’s dining scene. Nestled in the Ninth Street shopping district of Old West Durham, this diner offers a warm and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. Its history as a former taxi cab garage, beauty college, and bakery adds to its unique charm.

Visit Source →
NC Tripping

The Best Breakfast in Durham NC (15+ Essential Restaurants)

Ask many people their pick for breakfast restaurants in Durham and they’ll likely start with Elmo’s Diner. This Downtown Durham restaurant is an institution, and on weekend mornings, you’ll hardly ever walk by without seeing a line out the door. If it’s on Sunday, they’re likely waiting for the best brunch in Durham!

Visit Source →
Best of the Bull

11 Breakfast Spots to Know in Durham

Elmo’s Diner has been a local Durham favorite for more than twenty years, They’re a family-friendly diner with a hometown feel. The menu consists of traditional morning fare with Southern favorites. There is almost an overwhelming selection of food, but we think that breakfast or brunch is the way to go here.

Visit Source →
WRAL.com

Durham brunch guide: Top 19 spots

Elmo's Diner, Durham's renowned all-day breakfast spot, is celebrated for its variety of omelets, pancakes, and Southern favorites. Don't miss out on their delicious baked French toast and quiche. Known for being kid-friendly, Elmo's Diner welcomes families to enjoy their offerings from 7 a.m.

Visit Source →
North Carolina Travel Guides

18 Amazing Things To Do With KIDS in Durham, NC (+ Map!)

Elmo’s Diner is a local diner that has been operating in the city of Durham for more than 20 years. The restaurant focuses on friendly service and delicious food that is made from scratch. Moreover, the restaurant offers comfortable seating.

Visit Source →
Downtown Durham Inc

For Visitors

Did you know you’re visiting the “Foodiest Small Town in America” (Bon Appetit)?. Or that Durham is the “Tastiest Town in the South” (Southern Living)?. Downtown Durham is home to more than 75 restaurants.

Visit Source →
Jacktar Durham

Brunch Durham North Carolina - Delicious Morning Dining

Elmo’s Diner – At Elmo’s Diner on Ninth Street, you can enjoy hearty brunch dishes all day long. From cinnamon apple pancakes to biscuits and gravy, they’ve got all your brunch favorites covered;

Visit Source →
Family Destinations Guide

Best Breakfast in Durham, NC (2025) — 20 Top Places!

776 9th StDurham, NC 27705(919) 416-3823 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Elmo’s Diner, located in Old West Durham, stands as one of the go-to local eateries in Durham.

Visit Source →
Duke Undergraduate Admissions

Durham, Our Hometown

Elmo’s Diner has been a local Durham favorite for more than twenty years. Located on Ninth Street, Elmo's serves fresh, delicious food in a family diner atmosphere.

Visit Source →
y Travel Blog

23 Awesome Things To Do In Durham, NC With Kids (or Without)

A Durham breakfast institution is Elmo’s Diner on Ninth Street. It’s a casual, kid friendly restaurant with an extensive menu. Breakfast is served all day!

Visit Source →
Restaurant Clicks

13 Best Brunch Spots in Durham, NC

776 9th St, Durham, NC 27705Phone: 919-416-3823 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Nathan Vanderhorst (@nathanblakev)

Visit Source →
Durham Guidebook

Terrific Breakfasts You Need to Try in Durham, NC

The convenient location on 9th street (just across from Vin Rouge) is a perfect spot to meet up over breakfast.

Visit Source →
INDY Week

Best of the Triangle 2022: Eat & Drink

Visit Source →
919area.com

Buffet - Restaurants in Raleigh & Durham NC

Visit Source →
Elmo's Diner (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide