Hearty dishes like flapjacks, biscuits, and grits made with high-quality ingredients.
Signature items including shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and red-eye gravy.
Creative drinks like breakfast margaritas to complement your meal.
Accommodating menu choices for those with dietary restrictions.
Generous portions perfect for sharing or enjoying later.
Big Bad Breakfast in Durham crushed the Shrimp & Grits. The sautéed Gulf shrimp were perfectly cooked, the bacon and tomatoes added a smoky-sweet bite, and the Carolina Grit Co. grits were rich and creamy. The red-eye gravy and tomato broth brought big, savory flavor, and the fried egg on top made it next-level comfort food. If you’re debating what to order—this is it. Our waitress Faith was excellent.
I came to town for the Chris Brown concert, and before heading out, my friend and I wanted a good breakfast to wrap up the trip. After checking with the hotel front desk, we decided to try this spot -- and it did not disappoint. It was surprisingly busy for a Wednesday morning, but the service was still great. Our waitress was super polite and even gave us some helpful recommendations. The food was incredibly filling and downright comforting -- the kind of meal that makes you want to take a nap afterward because it's that good. I'll definitely be back anytime I'm in the area!
Great service. Good food. Gluten free options! Really not anything super special. It looks pretty. Over $100 for breakfast for 4. When the Door opens there is a rush of cold air.
I arrived at 10:46am on a Sunday for a date. I was told it would be a 10-15 min wait. We only waited about 5 minutes. Sarah was waitress who came a minute after being seated. We got the breakfast margarita and breakfast dude to drink, along with waters. We ordered food at 11:04am. Waitress said cocktails are almost ready. We got the flapjacks to share. I got chicken and waffle plus bacon. My date got mother of all biscuit and grits. The drinks came at 11:13am and food came at 11:17am. All of it was enjoyable with no complaints. I had enough to take home and eat later on that day. Service was good for how busy it was. I liked the back of the staff shirts, it made me giggle. I definitely would return !
Our first time in here and it was great, we will definitely be back. The cappuccino was hot and tasty. The waffles were cooked perfectly and the chicken was flavorful. The waitress was friendly and kept up with everything. Pricing was on point for the quality we received.

Where comfort food meets Southern hospitality in a big, bold way.
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Big Bad Breakfast in Durham is a beloved restaurant serving up hearty, Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its generous portions and creative twists on classics like shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and flapjacks, we cater to locals and visitors seeking a satisfying meal. With a 4.6/5 rating from over 550 reviews, our friendly staff, gluten-free options, and cozy vibe make it a go-to spot for a memorable dining experience. Whether you're fueling up for the day or enjoying a leisurely brunch, we deliver big flavors and comfort every time.
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