QueenBurger
Hamburger restaurant · Durham ·
Smash burgers, fries, cocktails, and ice cream sandwiches
Smash burgers, fries, cocktails, and ice cream sandwiches
"The relaunched location in Durham regained attention as a favorite local spot for burgers, prized by some reviewers as one of the best in the Triangle." - Erin Perkins
"Kingfisher co‑owners Sean Umstead and Michelle Vanderwalker are turning their pandemic‑born outdoor burger bar into a standalone Queen Burger at 359 Blackwell Street in the American Tobacco Campus, serving smash burgers, french fries, and what the article describes as amazing cocktails." - Erin Perkins
"QueenBurger, previously a pandemic pivot from Kingfisher, is opening soon at the American Tobacco Campus and will offer a variety of smashed patties." - Jenn Rice
"Founded by Sean Umstead and Michelle Vanderwalker of Durham’s Kingfisher cocktail bar during the pandemic when bars weren’t allowed to reopen, this outdoor burger concept began as an AstroTurf‑lined parking lot that offered customers a cheerful respite. After closing that pop-up in August, the team has announced a permanent location in the American Tobacco Campus that will open early next year; the new space will preserve the signature burgers, cocktails, and AstroTurf vibe while expanding the booze program beyond bottled cocktails. The biggest menu addition is shoestring french fries (available with a spicy seasoning), which weren’t possible at the outdoor setup, and the burgers remain focused on grass‑fed Baldwin beef topped with griddled onions, North Carolina hoop cheddar, special sauce, and Old North Meats pickles." - Erin Perkins
"A more affordable, accessible smash-burger popup launched outside the bar that proved a casual, welcoming concept could work downtown. Its success and the culinary leadership associated with it (including chef Steph Bell) directly inspired the owners to pursue a permanent all-day café/restaurant/bar with approachable pricing and familiar comfort-food offerings." - Eric Ginsburg