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Corner bar with abundant beer list, including 14 microbrews, updated pub grub & outdoor tables.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 914 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 680-8611
Website: http://thefederal.net/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Federal – Brightleaf Square, Durham, NC
Corner Bar with an Abundant Beer List of 16 Microbrews, Elevated Pub Grub & Lots of Outdoor Seating.
The Federal | Durham NC – Facebook
The Federal, Durham. 3505 likes · 352 talking about this · 7471 were here. Durham’s favorite neighborhood restaurant/bar.
The Federal (@fed_durham) · Durham, NC – Instagram
4K+ followers · 791 posts · Best Dive Restaurant in Durham.
Reviews
Wayword Podcast
I usually really like this place actually, a lot. But today I got the prime rib sandwich and my god… it was an abomination. They somehow managed to sneak an entire block of foul-smelling cheese into it, complete with parchment paper melted right on top like some kind of culinary arts-and-crafts project.
After peeling off the paper and amputating the mystery cheese block from my “sandwich”, I thought, alright, let’s power through this. Big mistake. It tasted exactly as horrifying as it looked. The bread was stale and untoasted, the so-called “prime rib” might as well have been freezer-burned mystery meat, and the onion rings? Let’s just say they were the neglected children of the deep fryer shamefully cooked in an oily hell for the entire day and used for my order I guess, barely together completely burnt chunks….disgusting
By the third bite, not only was I no longer hungry, I was actively concerned I might crap myself. The place is called The Federal, which makes sense now clearly named after the prison where this food is being cooked.
So thanks, guys. You’ve officially lost a customer. And probably given me a new phobia. For anyone thinking of going enjoy the photos I got of my dinner tonight.
… moreAfter peeling off the paper and amputating the mystery cheese block from my “sandwich”, I thought, alright, let’s power through this. Big mistake. It tasted exactly as horrifying as it looked. The bread was stale and untoasted, the so-called “prime rib” might as well have been freezer-burned mystery meat, and the onion rings? Let’s just say they were the neglected children of the deep fryer shamefully cooked in an oily hell for the entire day and used for my order I guess, barely together completely burnt chunks….disgusting
By the third bite, not only was I no longer hungry, I was actively concerned I might crap myself. The place is called The Federal, which makes sense now clearly named after the prison where this food is being cooked.
So thanks, guys. You’ve officially lost a customer. And probably given me a new phobia. For anyone thinking of going enjoy the photos I got of my dinner tonight.
Karla Gia
Nice bar/restaurant! I got a burger with onion rings. It was tasty and not too pricy for what you get. Their alcoholic drink/cocktail menu looks affordable too. I’ll be back!
… moreFenrael
Stopped by the Federal for lunch. We started with the deviled eggs. They were really good, but a bit salty. We got the Italian beef, the Steak salad, and the fried cheese curds. Everything was delicious, but just a little heavy on the salt. The steak salad was HUGE! I loved it and it definitely cane with a good amount of steak. The atmosphere is pretty chill. The Federal is a a small bar with a big foodie thing going on. We would come back for sure.
… moreBRIAN MASSENGILL
One of our new favorite spots. We started off with Federal Fries, and a Federal Burger. Someone in our party got chicken wings and loved them. We also got the large pretzel with cheese and buffalo chicken dip. We will definitely go again and we look forward to sitting outside.
The food was really great. Just not as good as the other guy. But thank you for being good.
We will definitely come back.
Update***
Still one of our favorite go-to spots. Fed fries every time! A few things to know, there are two wait staff for the entire place. They do good, Just keep that in mind. The Fed Burger is still one of my favorites.
We enjoy the outdoors seating just be ready for a few beggars to approach you.
We will definitely go back!
… moreThe food was really great. Just not as good as the other guy. But thank you for being good.
We will definitely come back.
Update***
Still one of our favorite go-to spots. Fed fries every time! A few things to know, there are two wait staff for the entire place. They do good, Just keep that in mind. The Fed Burger is still one of my favorites.
We enjoy the outdoors seating just be ready for a few beggars to approach you.
We will definitely go back!
Andrew Brigida
We visited Federal in downtown Durham during Oktoberfest, and it was an amazing experience! They had a special Oktoberfest menu that really set the mood with German-inspired dishes and festive brews. We loved the bratwurst plate, which was perfectly seasoned and served with sauerkraut and a pretzel. The atmosphere was cozy and lively, and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable about both the regular and special menus. Whether you’re looking for a great spot to celebrate an event like Oktoberfest or just want a casual yet delicious meal, Federal is a fantastic choice. We’ll definitely be back!
… moreDonna Turner
Enjoyed a late lunch after getting to Durham. Plenty of seats and great bartender/server that was attentive. We started with pimento deviled eggs. They were slightly spicy and full of flavor. The tuna tostadas were large and packed with tuna and slaw. The aoili on top was a perfect pairing. The Federal burger was cooked perfectly to order and was super juicy. The fries were an enormous amount and crispy. Definitely worth a stop when in town.
… moreSteve B
This is a divish sandwich joint. My prime rib sandwich was excellent, the fries were well seasoned, and it was inexpensive. Service was great. Another restaurant that makes downtown Durham great, completely contrary to what I was told when I moved here. Thumbs up.
… moreDoug Foutty
Delicious food, beer and service was fantastic.
Price per person: …
… morePrice per person: …
Derricia Hill
I visited this placed for the first time while visiting Durham. My boyfriend and I ordered nachos for the appetizer and he got the carnitas as an entree and I got the fish tacos. The nachos were good. We didnt care for the cheese used, but the pico on it was pretty tasty and gave it a fresh taste. He really liked the carnitas and so did I! The meat was really well seasoned and melted in your mouth! As for the fish tacos, they were returned due to a stale aftertaste, but the customer service given by the waitress was amazing about it, took care of it immediately, and asked if I wanted to order something else. I got the fed burger as a replacement! The burger was super delicious because it was super juicy and seasoned really well. Plus the size of it is pretty big. The fries were also really good.
… moreRichard LaBennett
Nice local watering hole with a solid kitchen and friendly bartenders. The fries and variations of apps are pretty good. The nachos are excellent. I had the lamb burger special which was decent but wouldn’t order it again.
… more