Share(919) 286-1875
1920 Perry St
Durham,
NC
27705
36.0075
-78.9213
Neighborhood: Old West Durham
Price:
$
The Cosmic Cantina
Last updated 4.01.09
What People Are Saying About Cosmic Cantina
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – Just around the corner from Ninth Street, head up the stairs, toward the noise. On warm days, take advantage of the off-street back patio at this no-frills eatery. All the basics are served: burritos, tacos, quesadillas, plus a selection of vegetarian options and a daily special. Most beers are $2 a bottle. An open lounge downstairs beckons budding musicians 21-and-over to pick up any available instrument for impromptu jam sessions.
03/06/09
Condemn as a foreign policy gesture
by durhamexan at Citysearch
The Cosmic Cantina is a sham, a travesty, an abomination and a crime against humanity. The restaurant (does it earn that title?) should be condemned as a gesture to our neighbors to the south. I've had some terrible imitation Mexican fare in my day; this is the worst, and that's saying something.
The food here is so bad and remarkably unappetizing, I have often wondered how the place manages to stay in business, let alone retain a FIVE STAR RATING (WHAT?) on sites such as these. I then realized that its patrons have never been west of the Mississippi and couldn't discern cochinita pibil from bu?uelos.
If anything, the Cosmic Cantina could be commended for attaining previously intattainble levels of Bland. I mean it, there is not a single ingredient inside those hell-begotten doors above a "Smartee" on the flavor-scale. The Cosmic Cantina would attend a Nickelback concert if it could.
I wish this rating system allowed zero stars.
- Pros: its owners are PROfessional CONs
- Cons: Literally everything
09/27/07
Better than any chain in the Triangle!
by raleigh_grrl at Citysearch
Please don't listen to the reviewer who recommends two *chain* restaurants instead of this kooky, eclectic, awesome restaurant tucked away on 9th street. I can't think of a better place to grab a steak burrito at 1:30 in the morning, when only the perfect food will suffice. If you aren't comfortable with the old historic building appeal of the interior, then get the burrito to go, trust me, you won't be disappointed.
- Pros: Quick, Cheap, and downright tasty.
- Cons: there's not one in raleigh.
09/11/07
Bland Mexican food, Watered down salsa
by gsharp247 at Citysearch
Bland, uninteresting flavors catered to an audience unaccustomed to real Mexican food. I grew up in New Mexico and Los Angeles, so I know Mexican food and this place leaves much to be desired. Aside from that, the tables and floors were dirty and you kind of felt dirty being here. Also the bathroom was right out in the dining room. Pretty unappealing. You'll get better flavor/environment at On the Border (yes some chains are better than "holes-in-the-wall") or for something more authentic, try Torero's (on 15-501 in Durham) or El Dorado (on NC55). Also, for excellent flavor and ingredients, and my favorite Mexican food in North Carolina, try Chipotle on Franklin St in Chapel Hill. It beats the pants off this place for flavor and environment.
- Cons: atmosphere, parking, restrooms
The Details on Cosmic Cantina
When to Go:
Don't come during peak dinner time, unless you're willing to wait for a table and your meal. After 9pm, it's easier to come and go quickly.
Where to Sit:
If it's a nice day, send someone outside to nab a table on the patio while you wait in line.
Know Before You Go:
After 11pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, enter through the downstairs lounge.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Late Night Dining, Outdoor Dining, Lunch Spot, Cheap Eats, Carry Out
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
