Federal Lounge

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attack7

Joined 6 years ago

Best bar food in the triangle.. Federal consistently provides some of the best meals you can get, for a very reasonable price.

Their constantly changing specials are always extremely good. Definitely for under $15 and usually for under $10, you can get a great meal - something out of the ordinary (Duck, A great chicken pesto sandwich, etc). I live in constant fear that the chef will realize he should open an expensive restaurant.

Only drawbacks are not enough outside seating, and the inside smells like your grandfather's smoking room. Service is occasionally slow, but probably due to the popularity of the place and not enough physical room for wait staff.

Selection of beer is great, and so are the prices on them.

Check this place out!

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zivah1

Joined 7 years ago

Get the grilled cheese sandwich!!!!. Seriously, I love it. And I know, like, 10 people who love it. LOVE it. We go there specifically for it. Okay, we also go there to drink because the Federal is one of approximately 4 tolerable bars in Durham. But GET THE GRILLED CHEESE!!!! Mmm, sharp cheddar, fresh focaccia, mmmm, baby greens, avocado, roasted tomatos. I'm telling you. Go there. Get one. Mmmm.

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durhamhp

Joined 8 years ago

Bar with Better-than-average bar food. I had read a lot of reviews about the Federal so I decided to give it a try. Went with 2 other girls for drinks and dinner on a weeknight. The place was crowded, so we sat at the bar. Nice selection of beers. Food was very good. The carnitas were a hit! The bartender (not service-oriented or customer-friendly) was a disappointment. Many of the reviews I'd read seemed to disagree on whether to call the Federal a "bar" or a "restaurant" or something in between. I call it a "bar." A average bar with better than average "bar food."

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mcgov_nc

Joined 9 years ago

solid bar with great food. No doubt, Federal is a charming night spot with a surprisingly inventive menu in a casual yet stylish setting. The intimate seating, coupled with not-too-over-the-top wall mounted nostalgia makes for a very enjoyable late dinner date. Take your time enjoying a cocktail before digging into the unique menu of Euro inspired standards and wide selection of daily specials as DJs run subtle, decorative beats. Fine dining - not exactly... but the prices, food quality, and overall atmosphere are well worth it... hopefully more of the same will come to downtown Durham.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Good sandwiches, live music and 12 beers are all on tap at this Bull City hangout.. In Short
Offering an upscale bar menu and DJs several nights a week, this Main Street locale is a hipster hangout as well as a good lunch option. Try the puff pastry pizza or the warm artichoke salad. Vegetarians will enjoy the roasted tomato, squash and buffalo mozzarella panini. When the music isn't spinning, catch the game on one of several TVs.

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stablenet

Joined 9 years ago

A big surprise. It takes a lot for me to get excited over a bar. I've been to plenty, and while there's usually something to like about any of them, occassionally one really stands out.

Federal is that place. The atmosphere is nice, the seating's comfortable, the music is *unbelievably* great. Carolyn the server is the perfect combination of sweet/sarcastic/attentive/friendly. I wish the service was this good everywhere. The food is really good too.

The closest comparision is Tyler's in Carrboro, other than the fact that Tyler's staff has quite a lot to learn about customer loyalty, save one or two servers.

Support this place. They deserve to make it.

-Alex