"This recently reopened Durham institution has been in business for over 30 years. Its dark wood paneling, deep green tiles, crushed blue velvet seats in the bar area, and plaid carpet running the length of the dining room might evoke memories of Grandma’s living room. The menu features Italian and French-inspired comfort food, such as shrimp risotto and chicken liver mousse, as well as groan-worthy buttermilk rolls. To extend the evening, order the hot chocolate souffle. It’ll take about 20 minutes to prepare, but the decadent dark chocolate cake is more than worth the wait." - Elliott Harrell