Aaktun Coffee, Restaurant and Bar

Food was incredible! Everything was flavored so well. The calamari is the best I've ever had; the batter was amazing. The pork belly adobo was so good, I really enjoyed it. Drinks were great as well. Ambiance was absolutely gorgeous. And the server was nice (a tad slow at times but nothing worth complaining about). Highly recommend!

Aaktun – Durham, NC Aaktun is one of those Durham gems you don’t want to miss. The atmosphere is fun, lively, and full of creative décor that instantly puts you in a good mood. Be prepared for a bit of a wait if you don’t have a reservation—it’s a popular spot for a reason! The food is outstanding. The shrimp and grits were my favorite—perfectly cooked with layers of flavor—and the bavette saltado was equally delicious. The drinks are top-notch, and the staff is friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even better. And whatever you do, don’t skip dessert. The passion fruit cheesecake is to die for! Amazing tropical flavors, a little tart, but absolutely perfect with the creamy cheesecake. Definitely one of my new favorite restaurants in Durham. Highly recommend!

Top notch food and service and The restaurant is beautiful! The shrimp and grits we very flavorful and had just the right amount of spice! The breaky butter burger was good, but I wish there was just a bit more sauce on it. The bread was good but the sweet chili butter made it great! Came back for dinner and was just as pleased. Seems like they specialize in sauces. Anything that comes with a sauce has an elevated flavor. The calamari wasn't quite fried hard enough, most of the breading was falling off, but the sauce made up for it. The braised beef dish was good, but tastes like beef stew, great, just nothing special like the other dishes. Great service and absolutely beautiful restaurant. I will say, at night the music was very very loud. But overall, A vibe for sure!

Coffee: some of the best coffee in Durham- i adore the wave rider. The breakfast sandwiches are also among the best i have ever had. The restaurant: one of the coolest interior vibes in a restaurant- it feels like a futuristic dive bar and plates its meals accordingly. Every single appetizer hit the spot and was delicious, and the entree portions were generous and just as food. This is outstanding place for a dinner big or small, especially for a weekend or celebration.

Excellent coffee and delicious buns. I love that the cafe has lots of plants. Wonderful, friendly, and smiling baristas who will make you a delicious coffee with a smile, even if you arrive five minutes before closing. So far, I've only drink coffee at this cafe, but I'll definitely be back for lunch.

This place is incredible. Very pretty interior. I got the green curry chicken, the bread (amazing rolls with incredible butter), and a Mexican hot chocolate with a shot of espresso. The flavors are all incredible. And the rolls are life-changing. So light and flavorful! Highly recommend

The food at Aaktun is phenomenal—I’ve been three times now and every dish has been outstanding. That said, the music (especially with the live DJ thats been there at every dinner) is consistently way too loud. It makes it hard to have a conversation and even caused our server to miss part of our order this last visit. I’d love to keep coming back, but I really hope they reconsider the volume during dinner hours so the full experience can match the quality of the food.

My experience was so amazing- major thanks to Kortni (server) and David (bartender)! The vibes, food, and service were all unmatched. My entire group felt so welcomed. I will definitely be coming back AND recommending this restaurant to family and friends.

The positives: I went to the cafe part and loved my drink. I had the Mexican hot chocolate and appreciated that they used Abuelita (or if they didn't use Abuelita, it tasted just like it!). My friend loved her gingerbread oat iced latte and appreciated that the syrups are made in-house. The outside and inside are impeccably decorated for Christmas! Service was nice and prompt. The negatives: Parking is on the limited side since it's downtown Durham, and it's located by a lot of other popular spots (Mezcalito, Ponysaurus, etc). I was able to find some street parking a few blocks away. The cafe's inside has limited seating/tables and I wouldn't recommend it as a study spot. The in-between: Nothing that I can think of! Overall, a great experience and I would love to go back to the restaurant side next!

I love Aaktun and have been here many times since it has opened. The place is so beautiful and unlike any other restaurant in the area- it feels like you're dining in a beautiful cave out of town. The entrance starts with a small and cozy coffee shop then leads you down the hall to the main restaurant. The inside is so pretty and the menu + atmosphere makes this a great spot to choose for basically any occasion. You can also order coffee shop items in the restaurant. The coffee is so good- I often get two coffees when I come because it's always made so well. The breakfast sandwiches are a MUST. It's hard to want to order anything else when they exist. If you are familiar with the famous egg drop sandwiches from Buldogis in Las Vegas- then you get a chance to have them here! They are so soft and delicious, and melt right in your mouth. I crave them SO much. The tots it comes with are also good and I usually don't care for tots. My friend says their burger is one of the best burgers she's had. The huli chicken skewers are also delicious and I have ordered this twice. The prices are great, restaurant is gorgeous, and every dish has been a hit. This place will always be one of my favorites!

Ambiance - 5/5 (set apart) Quality and quantity of portions - 5/5 Service - 5/5. Came here as a party of 6 on a Sunday afternoon, and this spot did not disappoint! They recently opened and the space is BEAUTIFUL with greenery. The staff were super gracious, accommodating, and friendly. We had a baby with us and they immediately accommodated with tables and spacing. The food was so visually appealing and delicious! Our favorites (out of the park dishes) were the pan y butter and lomo soltado. They were bursting with flavors and perfectly cooked. We also got the Huli Huli Chicken Skewers, jerk chicken, Og burger, and Supreme Tochtos. We also got a handful of drinks. Everything was so delicious and aesthetically pleasing.

Aaktun is a gem in the area. The front of the building is a cute little coffee bar with a few pastries and breakfast items and the back is a beautiful restaurant. I have not tried the restaurant portion but the coffee is incredible. Yes, I went basic and got the pumpkin spice latte made with actual pumpkin puree and it was heaven! The staff were super friendly and gave recommendations. Definitely pop in for a pick-me-up!

Amazing atmosphere. So cutesy and decorated nicely. Not much seating on the inside but still worth a trip. Space is limited in the coffee shop but you are more than welcomed to grab something from the cafe and sit down in the restaurant. I only tried the cafe today and it was so yummy. I ordered the gingerbread latte with cold foam, 10/10!!!! It was sooooo good I literally couldn't put it down. I also ordered the churrano (?) and it was delicious but messy. Extremely flakey, it got everywhere but still good nonetheless.

Visited Aaktun and it was a really cute spot with a great aesthetic! It's a little loud inside though, so it can be hard to hear people at your table, but it's pretty solid as a date night spot. Our server was very attentive, and explained the menu to us with a lot of detail since we were new. She went through almost every dish even though we didn't ask for that much detail, but it was helpful. The food itself came out pretty quickly. I got the pork belly, and it was especially good. Their menu is also tapas style which makes it easy to share if there are a couple of things you want to try. Parking is tough since the area is always busy, so plan a few extra minutes to find a spot. Overall a fun place with great food and a charming atmosphere.

What I recommend: The breakfast sandwich on a brioche bun Aaktun was fantastic. I stopped in for a quick breakfast and was blown away by how good their breakfast sandwich was. It came on a soft brioche bun with a perfectly fluffy egg, crispy bacon, and ripe in-season avocado. Everything came together perfectly, and it's easily one of the best and most unique breakfast sandwiches I've had. It's a little messy, but in the best way possible. The flavors were fresh, balanced, and clearly made with care. Loved it here and would definitely come back for another breakfast.

Scrumptious coffee and breakfast sandwiches!!! Stopped in for brunch on a Sunday and ordered the "B.E.C. Sando"- scrambled egg, American cheese, Benton's bacon, avocado (extra), with Aaktun white sauce, on challah bread. The bread and the white sauce MADE the sandwich 10/10. Incredible breakfast sandwiches (big & messy though, be prepared!). For coffees I tried both the "Cafe de Olla Latte" and the "The Waves" latte. I thought both were delicious and I love the decorative foam art and the beautiful clay pots that came with both. Loved sitting outside, it was perfect weather, they have a beautifully decorated space (with lots of Mexican decor and plants galore), that is dog-friendly, but it was REALLY frustrating they decided to do construction work on a Sunday (on the entrance to the patio). The drilling and hammering was SO loud; everyone that stepped foot on the patio, turned right back around to sit inside (we didn't have that luxury because 1. It started after we sat down, and 2. We had our dog with us). REALLY would recommend reading the room, and doing construction during the week (way more appropriate). I had even called earlier that morning to inquire about seating with a dog, and it would have been nice to get a heads up on the current construction situation. I was there for an entire hour and it didn't stop once. Would definitely return for the food again- assuming the outside atmosphere was less noisy! Lovedddd this spot for brunch and coffee.

Had another amazing meal at Aaktun! The ambiance is special and beautiful (this time it was decorated for Christmas!), the service was impeccable and the food was delicious. This time I ordered off the lunch menu and got the grilled romaine salad with steak- everything was prepared exquisitely! I also got an oat milk latte, which was wonderful.

This was my first visit. We ordered coffee and breakfast at the counter and ate it outside. Everything was really yummy! The B.E.C. sandwich was very big and messy. I had to eat it with a fork and knife. Pumpkin spice latte was also good. Prices were a little high for breakfast but seemed standard for downtown Durham. My latte was $8 and sandwich was $15. More of something I'd do for an occasional treat. I'd like to come back and sit inside with table service to try some other things!

Aaktun - Durham, NC Aaktun is one of those Durham gems you don't want to miss. The atmosphere is fun, lively, and full of creative décor that instantly puts you in a good mood. Be prepared for a bit of a wait if you don't have a reservation--it's a popular spot for a reason! The food is outstanding. The shrimp and grits were my favorite--perfectly cooked with layers of flavor--and the bavette saltado was equally delicious. The drinks are top-notch, and the staff is friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even better. And whatever you do, don't skip dessert. The passion fruit cheesecake is to die for! Amazing tropical flavors, a little tart, but absolutely perfect with the creamy cheesecake. Definitely one of my new favorite restaurants in Durham. Highly recommend!

We'd been for brunch and had a good time, especially with the DJ. The coffee options are interesting and food was solid - especially the curry chicken. But dinner was the real star of the show. The drinks are photo worthy and backed up by taste. We shared everything family style including apps, entrees, and desserts. All of the plates were picked clean by the time we left!

From the moment I stepped inside Aaktun Coffee & Bar on a random weekday, I was pulled into a world inspired by rich Mayan history. Forget what you think you know about coffee shops; this place is a hidden gem. While the cafe buzzes at the front, the true dining experience unfolds down a hallway in a secluded, cave-like space. It's an escape, a tranquil spot where natural light spills from high ceilings to illuminate vibrant green plants, creating an ambiance so unique and captivating that I wished the designer could plan my own home. My culinary journey started with the Canela Crunch with oat milk. This drink was a delightful surprise, not overly sweet, with the playful addition of Cinnamon Toast Crunch pieces that I happily chugged down. It was delicious, but next time, I'm already eyeing the intriguing Brown Pantera espresso. For my main course, I went for the shrimp and grits, and it did not disappoint. The dish was absolutely delicious, with just the right amount of mild spice. The sauce was hearty and deeply flavorful, making for a very filling and satisfying meal. While the side of bread--Hawaiian rolls, I think--wasn't my favorite pairing with the dish, the shrimp and grits themselves are a masterpiece I would highly recommend. The menu is full of so many tempting options that I honestly want to try everything. This spot is a total win. I even bought a gift card for my parents, which can be used at three sister locations: Mezcalito, Little Bull, and Tataco. I'll definitely be trying them all someday. I will 100% be back to Aaktun--it's more than a restaurant; it's an immersive experience for both your taste buds and your soul.

I came to Aaktun for my 1st wedding anniversary brunch with my husband and had a really great experience. We had a reservation (which I'd recommend, it was busy when we arrived but much quieter by the time we left around 2 PM). Food highlights: Green Curry Chicken - flavorful, colorful, and a perfect mix of comfort + freshness. Bavette Saltado - well-seasoned and cooked nicely, good portion size. Breakfast Sandwich & Tots - the tots were extra crispy and the sandwich hit the spot. Café de Olla - loved the clay mug and the cinnamon-spiced flavor. Hot Chocolate - beautiful presentation and rich taste. Service: Our waitress was amazing! she was friendly, easy to talk to, and made great conversation. We ended up brainstorming holiday Latin cocktail ideas together (coquito variations, tres leches rum drink, etc.), which added a fun personal touch. Overall: The vibe is relaxed but intentional. Good food, good service, and a unique menu that makes you want to come back and try more. I'll definitely be back!

This is a very cool little date night spot. The menu is very limited but their food is really good! My only complaint is their cocktail prices are a little bit outrageous! Parking here is very difficult, probably best to take an Uber if you're going on a weekend.

Tropical-inspired spot with a coffee shop on one side and a bar/restaurant on the other. We didn't have a lunch reservation but still got a table (though I'd recommend booking ahead). The menu leans Latin fusion with global influences. Drip coffee was bold, my horchata latte was fine, but the sandwiches really steal the show--the mushroom sandwich was toasted, flavorful, and delicious. I had the lomo saltado, which was very delicious but a bit heavy on the sauce for my taste. Service was friendly and somewhat attentive. We'd definitely come back for the sandwiches alone!

Came back for dinner and was just as pleased. Seems like they specialize in sauces. Anything that comes with a sauce has an elevated flavor. The calamari wasn't quite fried hard enough, most of the breading was falling off, but the sauce made up for it. The braised beef dish was good, but tastes like beef stew, great, just nothing special like the other dishes. Great service and absolutely beautiful restaurant. A vibe for sure!

Outstanding ambiance to this place! The booths are such an awesome design which provide a measure of privacy and yet with decent acoustics to be able to hear your party talk. This place had a live DJ while we were there, music wasn't too loud where you couldn't carry on a conversation. Our server was chill and not pushy or rushing us to order. The food itself was top notch. It was flavorful with a nice presentation, decent portion size for the cost. Overall this place is up there for a date night or another special occasion.

A+. What an amazing restaurant! All of the food is freshly made and tasted amazing! I will absolutely coke back here! Our waitress Rosie- was the star explaining the entire menu to us and taking care of us.

This was the cutest breakfast spot. I got the cortado and vegetarian tochas to go. The environment is really cute, clean, well decorated and perfect temperature. Service was great - hostess and waitress were nice and attentive. The cortado was the best I've had in Durham. I think I might become a regular here.

PLEASE GO for the dinner experience. Every single thing on the menu was sooooo good. My cousin and I got the whole menu and just tried everything. Even the grilled romaine, which I was a little hesitant about, was SO good. Same with the ceviche, skewers, brussel sprouts and omg the main courses were AMAZING! One was steak (similar flavoring as brussel sprouts) then the other was salmon, shrimp, calamari in a coconut curry. A BOMB 10/10!!! Service was wonderful. It became a little bit of a joke bc I asked for the cocktail of the week and they were out, then I wanted prosecco and somehow they were out? But she took everything in stride bc the bar did seem unusually backed up. Wish I got the servers name bc she was great. The ambiance is soooo cute! Pictures included:) Almost perfect overall experience.

This was the closest I could get to a Tulum vacation, from the moment I walked in the door I was transported to a new land. From the lively atmosphere to the creative dishes, I loved my experience at Aaktun, I'm also a girl who loves a bathroom photo opp so the decor and vibe matched my night beautifully. I'm not an Aperol spritz fan so on my next visit i'll try a different cocktail but their fresh and bright flavors for each dish I tried was enjoyable and different than my usual cuisine!!! I'll definitely be back

I came here for breakfast and it was absolutely beautiful outside! We went inside to the cafe and ordered a breakfast sandwich and some coffee. The breakfast sandwich was so big and delicious. I would definitely come back! There were a few picnic tables outside that you could eat at. Otherwise, you can be seated and served but we opted to get our food to go

After having lunch at Mezcalito and walking back to the office I decided to poke my head in to get a beverage to help me survive the remaining few hours of work on a Friday afternoon! I learned they are a sister restaurant to Mezcalito. The outside fall decor was adorable! I must say I got a bit nervous when I didn't see chai on their drink menu, but was relieved when it was confirmed that they actually did have it. The service was pretty good-efficient and friendly. The pricing was reasonable. I was also very happy with my iced chai! I'm confident that I will be back on a more regular basis bc it's so close to where I work.

I visited Aaktun on a Saturday evening with some friends and had a great experience overall. The only downside was the parking. The lot next to the restaurant and nearby street parking were completely full, so I had to pay for parking at a nearby lot. Once inside, the atmosphere was beautiful--very well-designed with a Tulum-inspired, modern resort feel. Aaktun is a restaurant and bar with a separate coffee shop area (though I didn't try the coffee this time). Our server was friendly, attentive, and gave helpful recommendations. I ordered the Encocado del Mar, and it was fantastic. The salmon was perfectly cooked--moist and flaky with crispy skin--and served with a rich coconut tomato sauce. The dish also came with shrimp, calamari, collard greens, and rice, and everything was flavorful and well-portioned. Aside from the parking situation, I'd highly recommend Aaktun and definitely plan to come back--probably on a less busy night to avoid the crowds!

Popped in late Friday morning. Grabbed the OG totchos and a cup of coffee. Totchos was ok. The sauce they slathered on was too much and overwhelmed everything else and left the whole pile soggy. Hot sauce was decent, avocado was good. Coffee was ok but not good enough to be $4. Staff was very nice.

The private cave tables make for a unique fun dining experience. I'd highly recommend this seating. And the affogato dessert presentation was spectacular.

The vibes are immaculate. This place is seriously so cool. It's giving tropical. It's giving Caribbean. It's giving brunch lounge. When you first walk in you'll see the tiny cafe but when you walk in to your left and down the hall you're greeted by an absolutely stunning dining room with live music (at least on 5pm on a Sunday anyway). They do all day brunch and I believe it's just on the weekends along with the dj show who was so much fun and freaking hilarious begging people to make requests. You could tell he was bored but still having a good time and interacting with the crowd every like, 20 mins telling people to make requests. "Total request live people!" For my follow millenials, IYKYK. Our server was a sweetie and the drinks were pricey but gorgeous. They also have an option to buy beers for the kitchen for $7 which is a great idea. Seems like a fun place to work. Highly recommend the bread and butter and the green curry mussels. My friend also had the grilled salad and vegetarian lomo saltado both of which she said were excellent. I ordered the pork belly which is skippable. The flavors were on point but the meat under the fat was on the dry side which I feel like shouldn't happen considering it's such a fatty piece of meat! So yeah, the veg and seafood dishes are great but skip the land animals haha. This place is perfect for brunch, dinner with a girlfriend, a baby shower in the outdoor area, or a cool date night. Being here just makes you feel happy. Def go for the atmosphere because it is a 10/10 in that regard.

This was our second time at Aaktun coffee and bar at Durham, and we fell in love with the food all over again. There was a little confusion about seating although we had a reservation. Initially we decided to sit outside but within a minute we felt a little chilli and wanted to come inside, but they said they gave the seats to someone else and if we want a seat inside will have to wait for another hour which was a little odd since the seats were empty the whole time we were sitting outside. Anyway, we ordered their interesting cocktails which tastes really good, vodoo vibes is highly recommended. We ordered most of their appetizers since they all looked delicious. Papaya salad was a little disappointing, but the Romain salad, curried mussels, chicken on a stick, coconut shrimp were really good, the mussels and the shrimp gravy were so refreshing and full of flavors. For main course we ordered their chicken, pork and salmon that came with white rice and gravy, the pork was super tender and tasty, it literally melted in mouth. Chicken was tender and was well marinated. The salmon, was well cooked, skin- pan seared, and perfectly spiced. For desert we ordered churros with their in house chocolate sauce, which was a perfect end to a perfect evening. The indoor ambiance is perfectly lighted for taking good pictures but outdoors was beautiful too with all the hanging lights and the personal heaters. The servers were so kind and brought our orders timely which made the whole experience smooth. Definitely coming back for their food, ambiance and service again.

Excited that I finally got to try Aaktun! This is such a wonderful new addition to Durham's coffee shop / cafe scene. The front of the building is the coffee shop which is relatively small, but there's more seating in the back which is the sit-down restaurant. I got the Cafe de Olla Latte hot (traditional latte with Mexican coffee in a clay pot, cinnamon, and piloncillo), it was delicious! Also got the Vegetarian Totchos (fluffy scrambled eggs, tater tots, Portabello mushrooms, hot sauce)- so tasty & large portion size. There's a parking lot next to the restaurant, street parking, or on Ramseur & Newnan. Great spot to study, super aesthetic ambiance, fast service. 10/10 would recommend!

I really enjoyed dining here. It's a little cryptic to find because you have to go through the cafe even in the evening when the cafe is closed. The ambiance is very modern and nature forward. It's great for pictures and capturing aesthetics. The customer service was good. Our waiter was knowledgeable and social. The food was delicious and creative. I enjoyed every dish. The ingredients were fresh and really did deliver a tropical feel. The plantain crisp on the bottom of the crab salad was the only thing I didn't love because it was in between soft and crunchy. I think that's the intention so it was just a preference. I'd 100% eat here again and recommend it to a friend.

What we loved most about this spot was the ambiance--hidden behind the coffee bar is a spacious, well-decorated area (complete with a dance floor on weekends!). The cozy decor, combined with large leafy plants (Oscar-style), created a warm and elegant atmosphere. The orange and green color scheme was surprisingly tasteful. We were seated as a group celebrating a friend's birthday, and the acoustics of the space made it easy to hear conversations across the table--a thoughtful design touch! Unfortunately, the food didn't impress us as much. While everything was tasty, the steep prices raised our expectations, and the dishes didn't quite deliver. The $19 burger was underwhelming (and nothing special or creative about it), the $40 steak lacked seasoning, and the $23 ceviche tasted almost identical to what's served at Mezcalito (not surprising)--except that it was maybe 1/4 the portion for the same price. Another thing about this place was the service was extremely slow when we were there. Our server was friendly and gave us a heads-up about the wait, but our dinner stretched from 7 PM past 10 PM due to long gaps between courses and the check. If you're considering this place for a first date, be careful because waiting this long could be so awkward if the chemistry is off! Though, would be a nice place for an intimate date night or relaxing dinner with close friends!! Overall, it's a beautiful space with great ambiance (5/5), but given the price(2/5), food quality (4/5), and slow service(2/5), it's not at the top of my list for a return visit.

I have been here for the cafe offerings but not the brunch/lunch options. I heard this place fully opened up over the past year here in Durham and had to give it a try. Overall it was good but definitely can be better. We specifically wanted the sandos and tots. We started off with the bread and butter and have to say that was a table favorite. Then got the vegetarian totchos and we liked how everything came together in this one (especially the sauce). Finally got the shrooms sando and although it was good it was very oily which we were not a fan of. Also we were expecting more to the sandwich from a spicy and/or flavor perspective which was missing. We also got coffee from there and I will say that was great. Atmosphere inside is great and really feels like you are stepping into a restaurant in another country. Staff was efficient and friendly. I will say our waiter took our dishes before we were finished with it and we didn't even have a chance to respond so be prepared. Prices for the sandos and tots are good but if you go for their main meals be prepared to pay a lot more. Parking is sparse so come a little early to find parking. Overall, I think this is a good cafe and would come back for the cafe offers. Unsure about the dinner options but may give it a try in the future for a special occasion.

I was excited for my first experience with this next-door neighbor of Mezcalito. You enter, and it looks like a small-ish coffee bar. When I told the hostess I was here for lunch with a group, she had a server guide be off to the left, down a little passageway, and into a huge open expanse, filled with plants, tables, and SUNSHINE! There are a few skylights cut into the peak of the pitched ceiling, which bring in Summer - but without the heat. The walls all look like there are little pockets and caves cut into them, like it's a sandstone cavern. Behind the bar (which was physically on the opposite wall from the coffee bar where I entered), cutouts of various sizes hold the bottles of liquor and other ingredients. The table we were at was a round 8-top, with three chairs and the rest on a banquette that circled the smooth-walled cave we were in. It was great at preventing us from being disturbed by the conversation of others - sorta. More on this later. Katelyn kept the eight of us fed, hydrated, and happy. This was the first time several of us had met, and many of us had never eaten here before. There is a great drinks menu (changes seasonally and not available online - sorry!) We were ordering from the Lunch menu, and everyone was quite pleased with their food and drinks. I had the OG Smashburger (two patties and fixin's, wrapped in a little diaper to keep the goodness in! Tots and a dipping sauce on the side.) Several folks had the Tempura Fish Tacos and loved them. The Green Curried Chicken was a hit as well. When a few folks had to leave, and those of us with more time chose to stay, we noticed a change in the acoustics of the cave as we rearranged our seating. I had noticed earlier that I could hear some folks across the table well, but some nearby not at all. I'm not sure if it's the hard, smooth walls or what, but it's very noticeable. One person mentioned that they could hear a private conversation from a table a few feet away, and then noticed that the folks at that table changed the direction and level of their conversation, so they obviously had heard my dining companion as well. Interesting phenomenon, just for your situational awareness. Don't discuss your plans for world domination in the caves!

Amazing dinner! Can't wait to come here again! Came here to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. Made a 5 pm reservation. We were seated promptly by a friendly and very attentive staff. Ordered a few items from the menu and all were amazing! Service was emasculate. It seemed like we had multiple people attending to our needs and making sure everything was okay. But our main server showed extreme knowledge of the menu and gave great recommendations based on our food preferences/allergies. The space and ambiance is amazing. Such a pretty and upscale looking location and seating. Spacious and welcoming. Great music, semi loud but still able to hear conversation. Gives a party vibe.

Mama matcha was so good!! So cute and amazing.. Honestly, I only went to the cafe and the girl was so nice!! Didn't take a long time either, so it was pretty nice. Also cool to see them pour the matcha and condensed milk. YUM!

Visited again for dinner on a Friday and were able to get an outside table without a reservation! Food was excellent and service was quick and attentive.

Vibes: 5/5 food: 3.5/5 services: 3/5 Overall a good experience, the food was hit or miss. The breakfast burrito was just ok, but the Huli Huli chicken was ver good. I would be interested to try more of their menu. Our waitress didn't come by a lot which was disappointing. Very well decorated though!

Ambiance is amazing. This place is beautiful. Sitting outside is so nice and enjoying the Sun, but when it's quieter I like having a working lunch here. The baristas sure know what they're doing between the maple latte and the mango matcha, you cannot go wrong. The food options are super diverse and can cater to any palette which is great if you bring a group. I will be returning and trying some cocktails that all looked beautiful. The presentation of everything is always on par. The servers are super sweet also!

SCREAMING BECAUSE THIS PLACE WAS FANTASTIC! As you walk in, you're greeted by a small cozy chic cafe that has an array of coffees, teas, and warm beverages with a small sitting area. Perfect for a quick drink or a morning meeting. Then around the corner down the ramp, is the vibrant speakeasy-esque dining room. The decor and set up was so appealing. The pink velvet booths were very quaint and comfortable. I ordered the Huli Huli chicken skewers, 10/10 well marinated and juicy. My friend ordered the tochos breakfast bowl which was hardy yet delicious! And the drinks.. very well crafted and worth the buy! I love this place and highly recommend!

Aaktun is a must-try for Durham brunch afficionados. My boyfriend and I had our lives changed today by the cafe's bacon egg and cheese. Light, fluffy eggs and crispy bacon are packed in a brioche roll and topped with a generous drizzle of Aaktun's special sauce. It's the definition of a hearty, buttery, indulgent sandwich. I would come back for that alone, but the coffee was also pretty good. I ordered an iced horchata latte and my boyfriend got a brown sugar marshmallow iced latte. Both were prepared quickly. I will note that Aaktun is not an ideal work environment (at least not on weekends). The music is loud and the hustle and bustle of the dining area make it a better place to socialize than to lock in.

Let me start out with saying we came on a Thursday night, and we had a 6:45 reservation. The space was very beautiful and well appointed with a beautiful bar. The food was good but I feel was overpriced for the quality. The service started off good and quickly became nonexistent, as the night went on the place became very busy and the wait staff couldn't keep up. We never even got one of our dishes but we said forget it bc it took so long to get the rest of the food we didn't want to wait any longer. The cocktails were very good and I think it would be a good spot for small plates and drinks with friends, if you can get a reservation, because you won't be able to just walk in and get a table without a considerable wait. I don't think I would recommend this place over several others that are far better for the price point.

Came for cocktails and stayed for live music! We were lucky to encounter their Cinco de Mayo celebration. Such a fun place with knowledgeable wait staff to give great recommendations on drink menu!

Fantastic atmosphere, delicious food, good service, and reasonable prices. I would add real shrimp to the papaya salad for more protein. The scrambled eggs are the best ever!

This is a review for the coffeeshop not the sit down restaurant space: Consistently great coffee with high-quality, homemade-feeling sweeteners. The Barista does not cut corners in the presentation of the coffee no matter how busy it gets. It's the perfect spot for a quick breakfast--whether you're in the mood for a sandwich or a burrito, you can't go wrong. And definitely don't skip the side of tots. Outside seating is always blissful and their plant selection creates a warm ambiance.

Jinah is amazing! they mentioned that they're practicing their latte art. I wouldn't have ever guessed - it was so cute and she was so friendly! :) you could tell she cared about her craft.

Dropped in during their soft open and it was fun! The space is big, at the entrance you'll find a coffee bar but head to the left and you'll enter a tropical paradise and their main dining room. The space is very organic, curvaceous and a bit sexy. The main bar with white-red top and curves is beautiful. Plants are spread out throughout the dining room giving a jungle feel to the space. Menu is Latino-Asian, some killer items are the rolls with chili butter along with the shrimp toast (fried bao buns, shrimp-chive paste). The tiki cocktails are a ton of fun, featuring fruity flavors in a cool receptacle. My Conch Out was served in a large, ceramic conch, lovely. Overall I'm impressed with Aaktun is trying to do: coffee bar, cool space, dinner with tropical vibes. And from what I gather, they will be hosting live music coming soon! So enjoy the latest concept from Chef Oscar Diaz (Little Bull) Durham. I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised...

Let me just say that everything was phenomenal! The atmosphere was to die for, the food was absolutely amazing, and the service started a tad rocky but they made up for it. Definitely recommend this place. It's so refreshing to see this in the area. And there's a dj!

I haven't had their dinner yet but oh my goodness their breakfast sandwiches are absolutely amazing. I've had their classic blt sandwich that has this amazing sauce on it and I've had their chorizo breakfast sandwich and my lord they are good. I also had their Rosemary Brown Sugar Tea Latte that was perfect!