Blue Corn Cafe

Name: Blue Corn Cafe
Address: 716 9th St, Durham, NC, United States, 27705
Telephone: (919) 286-9600
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

4.4

312 Reviews

$31 to $50

Latin American

Top Tags:

Blue Corn Cafe has been serving the Triangle area since 1997. We offer a locally sourced twist on Latin American cuisine. Our passion for locally sourced food and beverage has allowed us to offer our unique twist on Latin and South American recipes. Both owners Danielle and Antonio Rios have a passion on bringing their culture to your table with unique quality products.
Our warm atmosphere and kind servers make you feel comfortable upon entering and that is only where it begins. We look forward to serving you. Prevecho!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 12, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(919) 286-9600

Other options

Order online

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Latin American, Mexican / Southwestern, South American
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon, Tue, Thu–Sat 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon, Tue, Thu 4:30 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(919) 286-9600
Website
http://www.bluecorncafedurham.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Antonion Rios
Catering
We are custom caterers and can design and implement what our client envisions. Both on and off site, we have been entertaining and catering in the Triangle area for 17 years.
Private party facilities
Looking for a casual upscale private room, Blue Corn offers custom designed menus with a warm smart casual feel. Perfect for corporate events, showers and birthdays.
Private party contact
Danielle Rios: (919) 286-9600

Location
716 9th St, Durham, NC 27705
Neighborhood
Durham
Cross street
Main St.
Parking details
We have both street and lot parking.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

Lunch Fajitas$11.95
Sauteed chicken or steak with bell peppers and onions, served with lettuce, tomato, sour cream, guacamole, rice, refried beans and tortillas
- With Both Chicken and Steak$12.95
Avocado and Tomato Salad$9.25
Fresh Romaine lettuce, avocados and roma tomatoes served with our house cilantro vinaigrette
- With Grilled Chicken$10.95
Chipotle Chicken Salad$10.95
A mix of tossed greens with a spicy marinated chicken, artichoke hearts, olives, feta and onions. Served with our house cilantro vinaigrette

Appetizers

Chips and Your Choice of Salsa$3.50
A plentiful amount of mixed corn tortilla chips served with any of the following salsas: Regular, spicy chipotle, salsa verde or pico de gallo
Queso Dip$5.25
A blend of three cheeses melted to just the right consistency for dipping your chip
- With Jalapeños, Beans, Or Spinach$5.95
Queso Fundido$6.95
A small pot of melted cheeses mixed with roasted fresh poblano peppers and chorizo sausage. Served with chips for dipping
Guacamole Dip$6.95
Freshly crushed avocado mixed with sour cream, garlic, cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice
Platanos Fritos$7.95
Sliced plantains, deep fried and served with a sweet fresh mango & banana dipping sauce. Careful, they are habit forming!
Tostones$7.95
Refried plantains, served with Andaluse sauce for dipping.
Plantain Sampler$8.95
A variety of all our plantains served with a combination of our dipping sauces
Island Nachos$10.95
Corn tortilla chips topped with black olives, artichoke hearts, roma tomatoes and a blend of cheeses
Nachos$9.50
Your choice of corn or flour tortillas topped with refried beans, lettuce, tomato, jalapeños, sour cream and guacamole
- With Your Choice of Chicken Or Beef$10.25
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Stew$8.95
Our famous vegan stew. Sweet potatoes, corn, black beans and cilantro in a tomato broth. Topped with fresh avocado slices
Fried Calamari$10.50
Fresh battered and fried calamari. Served with two house-made sauces for dipping: chipotle aioli and guava red chili
Steamed Mussels$10.95
These mussels are brought in locally from our coast when available. They are served in a jalapeno tomato broth and garnished with toasted batard

Lunch Entrees

Choice of Fillings for Tacos, Quesadillas and Enchiladas: Grilled Veggies, Spinach, Cheese, Chicken, Ground Beef or Shredded Beef, Chicken Tinga, Picadillo, Pork Barbacoa

Blue Corn Paella$9.95
Rice simmered in a zesty chicken broth with fresh vegetables, Serrano ham, stewed tomatoes and chicken
Cuban Picadillo$8.95
Cuban style beef simmered with raisins, capers, olives tomatoes and more. A sweet and savory delight. Served on a bed of rice and garnished with seasonal plantains
Ropa Vieja$9.50
Pulled beef simmered in a zesty tomato salsa. Topped with grilled onions and served on a bed of rice. Served with your choice of a Cuban roll or tortillas
Cuban Sandwich$10.95
Roasted pork loin and sliced baked ham. Stuffed in a Cuban roll with swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and andaluse sauce. Served with black beans, rice and plantain chips
Chicken Tinga Sandwich$9.95
Our chicken tinga on a Cuban roll with swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato. Served with black beans, rice and plantain chips
CRB Burrito$9.25
Marinated chicken, black beans and rice rolled in a burrito. Topped with salsa, cheese, lettuce, tomato and sour cream
Vegetarian Burrito$9.25
Grilled vegetables, corn and spinach rolled in to a spinach tortilla. Topped in a tomatillo salsa, cheese, lettuce, tomato and chipotle sour cream
Green Enchiladas$8.95
Two enchiladas stuffed with spinach, garlic and corn. Topped in a tomatillo salsa and cheese. Served with rice and black beans
Black Beans and Rice$8.95
Cuban-style black beans and rice blended and topped with sweet plantains. Served with your choice of Cuban roll or tortillas
Enchiladas con Mole$9.25
Your choice of chicken or spinach in corn tortilla enchiladas. Topped with our fresh mole and cheese. Served with beans and rice
Fish Tacos$11.00
Two tacos stuffed with battered and seared white fish. Topped with lettuce and pico de gallo. Served with black beans and rice
Taquito Lunch$8.25
Two corn tortillas stuffed with your choice of beef, chicken or potato, fried and topped with lettuce, tomato and guacamole. Served with rice and your choice of beans
Taco Lunch$7.95
Two crisp tacos stuffed with your choice of filling (see below). Served with rice and your choice of refried or black beans
Quesadilla Lunch$8.95
Tortillas stuffed with cheese and your choice of filling (see below). Served with rice and your choice of refried or black beans
Enchilada Lunch$8.95
Two enchiladas stuffed with your choice of filling (see below) and topped with cheese. Served with rice and your choice of beans

What 312 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.6Service
4.3Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Durham
Good for Groups

Sort by

Filters

SO
SamuelO
Raleigh
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall1food1service4ambience3
Food was cold and tasteless. Place was empty and they had a tood about reservations. Not going back
OT
OpenTable Diner
South Dakota
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
The plantain platters are outstanding.
SR
StephR
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A nice restaurant that is kid friendly. Everyone was so nice to my kids. The food was so delicious. EVERYONE cleaned their plates. Win Win!
PB
PhaniB
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Recently hosted an oversea's friend in this restaurant and we had a great time.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I forgot how good the Mome sauce and plantains were! ❤️
AG
AndrewG
Raleigh
13 reviews
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall3food2service5ambience4
Service was excellent, cute little restaurant. The food? Eh. Steamed mussels appetizer was mushy, certainly not fresh, probably frozen mussels. Busted Milanese— steak was tough and overcooked. Calamari appetizer was good. Chicken and steak fajitas— just OK, nothing special. Disappointed as we expected better food. Oh well.
AL
ALScott32114
Raleigh
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience3
We dined here on a Saturday afternoon (04Jun22) after seeing Hamilton at DPAC. It was very slow at the time we arrived. Since we had reservations, there was no wait and we were seated outside very quickly. Outdoor seating is on the sidewalk, which can be very busy in this location and there was no shade cover or umbrellas, so it was pretty hot but manageable. Our server was very nice. She took our drink orders and food orders pretty quickly. The appetizer was tasty (queso dip), but our entrees were not what we were expecting. I had the fajitas with the steak, shrimp, and chicken, with rice and beans, and my spouse had the seafood paella. The shrimp in my dish had a funny taste, very 'fishy' as if they weren't fresh, so I didn't eat them and the rest of the dish was bland. My spouse indicated their paella had no seasoning/was bland as well. We had dined there before a few years ago and were underwhelmed but decided to give it another try. Although the staff is very nice and the facilities are immaculate, we don't think we'll visit again.
P
Pix13
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was really tasty. Service was great. Food came out fast.
CJ
CathyJ
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food and a nice ambiance. We will return!
LG
LynnG
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Meeting up with childhood friend who I see rarely
AP
APRILH
Raleigh
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
First time there, Food and drinks were great, will go back again to try other items!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent new restaurant for us in Durham. Glad we found it in Open Table
WW
WarrenW
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic service, food and ambiance.
S
Scott
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went to grab dinner before a recent show at Carolina Theatre. Waiter was very polite, attentive and made excellent suggestions. Our table had a mix of items: Ropa Vieja, Chicken Mole, Steak Quesadillas, Mussels and a Salad. Everything was very pleased with this meals and dining experience. Will definitely go back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service as always
r
rcdagrn
Raleigh
25 reviews
vip
2.0
25 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall2food1service5ambience2
Disappointing I chose this restaurant based on the reviews. Our meals were nothing like other reviewers experienced. I had the poached salmon, the chutney had the weirdest flavor ever - it was inedible. I didn’t notice any citrus in it and the avocado was a slice laying on top. The skin had been removed from the salmon but the dark gray layer remained and was served facing up. Pretty unappetizing. My dining companion had the Pollo Milanese, which was just ok. Saffron rice didn’t compliment either of these dishes. On the plus side the staff was great - very professional and pleasant. I’m sure they would have replaced my meal but I hate sending a meal back - it just ruins the experience of dining out - the additional waiting and eating separately.
D
Domi
Raleigh
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great dinner at Blue Corn Café! The food was delicious and plentiful and our server was super nice. We’ll definitely go back.
J
Jmfreeman
Raleigh
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fun atmosphere, delicious food, and comfortable table with nice social distancing from other diners!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was lovely. Service was wonderful and the food was so nice.
JX
JenX
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We really liked this restaurant. We had an early evening reservation because we had to make a 7pm show at DPAC. Our server was amazing--he was knowledgeable about the menu and attentive to our time constraints. The other couple in our party was running late because of traffic so we gave their order to the server who timed it perfectly for when they arrived. As for the food, wow! The tostones and fresh guacamole along with our meals were fantastic. Fresh and perfectly seasoned. They also have a large vegetarian selection with many items that can be make vegan. My only suggestion is to have a non-alcoholic beer/beverage for the non-drinkers in the group. Lagunitas makes a Hop Refresher and Athletic Brewing Co. makes a couple of nice NA beers that would pair nicely with their menu!
JG
JamesG
Raleigh
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
The food is very good. Good variety. Very good value. The chairs could be a bit more comfortable. Quiet. Good for conversation.
c
cmcm
Raleigh
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is always great and the service is fantastic.
CB
ChuckB
Charlotte
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is one of my favorite places near the Duke campus. I go every time I'm in town. Food is so flavorful and there is plenty of it. Servers are great and the ambiance is casual with great local art work for sale on the walls. If you like spicy ask for the habenaro sauce on the side.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great meal - I had the chicken rings empanada which was cooked crispy on the outside with tender chicken inside - loved it.
RH
RobH
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been here many times, and always the service and food are excellent. There are so many choices in Durham, but the value here is unparalleled. You will not be disappointed!
D
Do10hedron
Raleigh
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Had a great meal for the wife and me. We had the plantain sampler to kick things off followed by a chicken meal for me that also featured plantains. Both were spectacular. The wait staff was friendly and attentive. I would readily recommend Blue Corn Cafe.
NH
NicoleH69
New York Area
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Retirement dinner
TH
THill
Raleigh
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very attentive service, fast out with delicious food and drinks. Blue Corn is a can’t miss.
DC
DCDRaleigh
Washington DC
28 reviews
vip
4.0
28 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience4
Really enjoy this neighborhood gem! Always a nice meal and friendly staff.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Jacksonville
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The service by Troy was exceptional . The food was absolutely the best I’ve ever had. The whole staff was friendly. Going back soon.
DH
DHMc
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely spot and delicious food. The food came out very fast and the casual atmosphere was great for conversation.
VJ
VijayJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ambience, food and service was outstanding. No hesitation recommending.
SM
SandraM
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cute atmosphere. Friendly staff. Nice menu. Great presentation. Delicious food at a great value. Highly recommend.
JB
JeffB
Portland
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
In town for a show at DPAC. Great food, service, and atmosphere. Will definitely be back.
SH
StevenH
Indiana
27 reviews
vip
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on February 7, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Good food - Tesa was an awesome server - highly recommend
Y
Yummy
Baltimore
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great find! Cure restaurant! Will definitely be going back !
S
Scott
Raleigh
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food, large portions and excellent service.
B
Bri225
Charlotte
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were in town with the kids for a sporting event and made reservations. The place exceeded our expectations, the food and service were amazing! We will definitely make a return trip if we are ever in the area. Great variety on the menu and great overall value!
B
Bernadette
Raleigh
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great service and the freshest,greatest tasting dishes!
D
Dinner
Raleigh
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food amazing service!!

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Blue Corn Cafe using the Order Online button. Blue Corn Cafe also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (919) 286-9600.

Blue Corn Cafe is rated 4.4 stars by 312 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 12, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(919) 286-9600

Other options

Order online

716 9th St, Durham, NC 27705

Additional information

Cross street
Main St.
Neighborhood
Durham
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon, Tue, Thu–Sat 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon, Tue, Thu 4:30 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Latin American, Mexican / Southwestern, South American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
We have both street and lot parking.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Antonion Rios
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.bluecorncafedurham.com/
Phone number
(919) 286-9600
Catering
We are custom caterers and can design and implement what our client envisions. Both on and off site, we have been entertaining and catering in the Triangle area for 17 years.
Private party facilities
Looking for a casual upscale private room, Blue Corn offers custom designed menus with a warm smart casual feel. Perfect for corporate events, showers and birthdays.
Private party contact
Danielle Rios: (919) 286-9600

Blue Corn Cafe

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

90 Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Discover the Top Women-Led Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

Blue Corn Paella

Chicken and Mole

Plantain Sampler

Featured Lunches

Lunch Fajitas$11.95

Avocado and Tomato Salad$9.25

Chipotle Chicken Salad$10.95

Appetizers

Chips and Your Choice of Salsa$3.50

Queso Dip$5.25

Queso Fundido$6.95

Guacamole Dip$6.95

Platanos Fritos$7.95

Tostones$7.95

Plantain Sampler$8.95

Island Nachos$10.95

Nachos$9.50

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Stew$8.95

Fried Calamari$10.50

Steamed Mussels$10.95

Lunch Entrees

Blue Corn Paella$9.95

Cuban Picadillo$8.95

Ropa Vieja$9.50

Cuban Sandwich$10.95

Chicken Tinga Sandwich$9.95

CRB Burrito$9.25

Vegetarian Burrito$9.25

Green Enchiladas$8.95

Black Beans and Rice$8.95

Enchiladas con Mole$9.25

Fish Tacos$11.00

Taquito Lunch$8.25

Taco Lunch$7.95

Quesadilla Lunch$8.95

Enchilada Lunch$8.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

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FAQs

Does Blue Corn Cafe offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Blue Corn Cafe restaurant rated?

Is Blue Corn Cafe currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Featured in

90 Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Discover the Top Women-Led Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada