Aaktun Coffee, Restaurant and Bar

This is a beautiful and magical spot. They're very intentional about the set up, if you get a chance to speak to any of the workers, ask them about the concept/origin. It's beautiful how well they created a cave like experience for their guests. I also loved the music was lively, but not TOO loud that it ruined the intimate feeling. All the food we had was delicious, even the accidental beef I ordered that I had to return and exchange for chicken. Our waitress was very kind and attentive, and one of the co-owners also checked in on us and was very friendly. If you want a delicious meal, with attentive service, and a tropical/cave vibe, you need to come here.

From the amazing plant life, and lighting, to the outstanding service, the incredible flavors of the food are left free and clear of distraction to be thoroughly savored on your pallet.. I have had to return three other times just to check to make sure I wasn’t being overly enthusiastic about my experiences, and I was not. Lunch, brunch, dinner, always a lovely experience. Plus the music is always different and fun. Hands down, my favorite dining/cocktail experience in Durham, ever. See you soon Aaktun. Te amo.

Aaktun has some of the best cocktails in Durham. They are all so unique and well made. They also serve them in really cool glassware. My banana infused cocktail came in a giant banana! The food is also outstanding. The ceviche alone is worth the trip. I think it is also the prettiest restaurant in Durham now. They knocked it out of the park in every way!

I’ve been there twice, both times with a reservation. The first time was on a Thursday at 2PM,there was hardly anyone there, and the service was excellent. The second time was on a Saturday at 8PM, and it was packed! While the atmosphere was still great, the service wasn’t as good as it was during lunch. (If you don’t like noisy places, avoid going at night, the crowd noise is quite intense) Both experiences had different settings, but I loved them both. The music is AMAZING! The place has the perfect vibe of a restaurant in the Riviera Maya. The food is delicious, and the drinks are fantastic! I just wish they stayed open later and offered breakfast. I highly recommend the OG Burger, Lomo Saltado, Slow Poke, and the goat cheese cheesecake. The horchata drink is delicious, and my absolute favorite is the boots with fur drink. But the best part? The music!

Went for Galentine's Dinner on Saturday evening. Very busy spot, so definitely make a reservation. The cocktails and food are an experience! Our waitress, Kat was absolutely amazing!

TLDR; amazing food in a stunningly beautiful restaurant with subpar coffee and completely abysmal service. Walked into this restaurant as a party of 2 at 11 AM on a Saturday without a reservation. Sat down immediately and after 10 minutes had to pull a waitress to take our order. 10 minutes later, we got our cappuccinos - clearly made in haste with dead shot, fluffy Starbucks foam, and no art, which is something I'd expect in a restaurant attached to a proper coffee shop. 15 minutes later we got our food. The chorizo egg and BEC sandwiches were something to write home about. For how long we waited, I was surprised that they forgot ketchup on one of the plates. The tater tots were delicious, but were lukewarm at best. We had been finished for 10 minutes when we had to flag a waitress down to pay our bill. No one at any point asked us if we enjoyed our food or wanted more drinks, which had sat empty before we ever even got our food. Honestly, if I hadn't been so excited to try the food, I would have left after being ignored for 10 minutes. This is such a shame because this restaurant has so much promise. It seems like things are really disorganized, as evidenced by the fact that there were too few wait staff, no dedicated bussers, and incorrect food orders. If I'm going to nitpick, I also really didn't like being given cheap paper napkins at a restaurant of this caliber and price point. All in all, I'd give it another chance because of the food, and I hope the terrible service was just a fluke.

I was really excited to try Aaktun after seeing their vibrant social media presence and the enticing dishes showcased online. The restaurant's atmosphere looked incredible, and I couldn't wait to experience it for myself. Upon arrival, I was a bit confused as I approached the coffee counter to confirm my reservation, only to be directed to the restaurant located at the back. The baristas were very friendly and helpful. Once I reached the restaurant, I noticed there wasn’t a host stand, so I waited by the bar until someone attended to me, which happened promptly. The first thing that struck me was the restaurant's beautiful decor, especially the arches that gave a nod to Tulum or a tropical paradise. My friend had arrived earlier, so I joined her at the table. At first glance, the lunch menu was quite extensive, which was a bit overwhelming but in a positive way. I consulted with my friend, who had visited a few times before, and she highly recommended the steak dish. Our server echoed her thoughts, so we decided on the following: L-LOMO SALTADO Marinated steak, yuca frita, tomato, onion, Saltado sauce, white rice. $20.00 L- THE OG BURGER Two smash all-beef patties, lettuce, tomato, onion, house pickles, American cheese, OG sauce, and tater tots. $18.00 When our meals arrived, they weren't piping hot, but the flavors were outstanding, and my friend thoroughly enjoyed her burger. I sampled her tater tots, which I found to be slightly overcooked. Overall, the food was delicious, and my friend raved about her meal as well. Our server was fantastic—very attentive and ensured we had a great dining experience. I would definitely return, but next time, I’m keen to try their dinner menu along with some cocktails. Overall, Aaktun offers wonderful food (though I would recommend serving it hot), a beautiful atmosphere, and excellent service.

I visited on opening night and made a reservation for my group. Even though we had a reservation, we had to wait 10-15 minutes. Once seated, we appreciated the aesthetic of the restaurant. However, it was really loud and we had to almost yell at each other during dinner. The meals we ordered were alright and pricey. It was a fun spot to check out but not worth it. I would go next door for a more filling and value meal.