Cosmic Cantina

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

05/21/07

I'm missing why it's supposed to be so good

by tdotson at Citysearch

We went to Cosmic Cantina for the first time today. I expected it to be kind of a dump and it was, and that's not a "charming, fun" dump, just a plan, dark space, although it was late afternoon and desolate. Staff were not friendly. Burritos were OK, tortillas tasted fresh and beans were pretty good. Salsa was fresh made, but obviously long before we ate it - it was 80% exuded water (from long-ago chopped tomatoes) and nearly flavorless, maybe the worst I've ever had in a restaurant. You get one tiny cup (like a tablespoon) that the nasty chips won't fit in, unless you can convince the guy to give you a second one (after one taste, one cup was more than enough.) I took the family there to convince them that "non-chain" is better than "chain" (Moe's) and left apologizing and longing for Moe's, which I think is better and cheaper (and you can get plenty of salsa, limes, cilantro, guac, etc. without paying extra.) I really wanted to like Cosmic Cantina. I'm glad we've got a place with character where students can eat at 4 in the morning. Still, as much as it pains me to say it, I'd ten times rather go to Moe's or On the Border. Maybe I should try a taqueria.

• Pros: Fairly large menu, kind of interesting atmosphere
• Cons: Bad salsa, average burritos, not as great of a value as I'd heard

04/13/07

best burritos in NC

by zdevil at Citysearch

a Durham classic. not to be missed. I think the veggie burritos are the best. don't go for grande unless you're sharing with 3 people.

02/21/07

GREAT Food, but watch out for the flies

by chrisve at Citysearch

GREAT Food-- I recommend getting it to go because the building is a dump and the restaurant is a fly trap. Flies and all, it's still worth it.

• Pros: Great food
• Cons: The building is a dump and it's a fly trap. Oh, and for some reason they charge excessive sales tax.

11/19/06

FROM TJ ALL THE WAY TO DURHAM

by laurenhaley at Citysearch

THIS IS A VERY SIMPLE CANTINA, L- BACK. NO NEED TO GET ALL DRESSED UP. CASUAL

APPLYS HERE. THE FOOD IS ALWAYS FRESH. I HAVE EATEN HERE AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES,

AND NEVER ONCE HAVE I EVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED. THE PORTIONS ARE HARDY, THE STAFF

FRIENDLY. MAKE THE CLIMB OF THE STAIR CASE, AND SEE FOR YOURSELF.

• Pros: LARGE PORTIONS, LOTS OF VALUE
• Cons: PARKING IS A PROBLEM, PLUS YOU HAVE TO CLIMB THE STAIRS

11/09/06

Yummy burritos!

by llooper at Citysearch

I've been to the Cosmic Cantina a couple of times now, and enjoyed my veggie burritos a lot each time! They even madethem without the tortilla for me the second time, in an effort to save a few calories. The prices are good for the amount of food you get. The outside is unassuming, and the stairs up to the restaurant prevent wheelchair access.

09/08/06

A Durham experience you can't miss

by simul at Citysearch

Cosmic Cantina turns out consistent delicous food at great prices. Combine that with a funky open mic Lounge, an outdoor patio, a few beers and some interesting conversation.

• Pros: Gread food, cool vibes when it's not too busy.
• Cons: Can be really crowded, the main dining area is always 10 degreees too warm.

08/31/06

Amazing Burrito's, Fun Hangout

by alisongreenwood at Citysearch

I absolutely love Cosmic Cantina whether it's 2pm or 3:30am. I used to take my parents and visiting friends there all the time and everyone has loved it. It does get crowded a peak hours so go for a later lunch/early dinner at like 3-4pm. Even after living in Durham 4 years I still never got tired of eating at Cosmic and I would recommend it to anyone in the Triangle area. And their food is much better than those chain fast food places like Chipotle.

• Pros: Fast, Cheap, Large Portions
• Cons: Gets Crowded