A good burger can be an amazing choice for dinner but you know what? It’s really hard to find an amazing burger! Like many menu choices that are just everywhere, it can be a challenge to find a really memorable taco, chicken parm or in this case, hamburger! So I was curious about Town Hall Burger & Beer, I would see pictures from time to time online but none of their locations are close to my home or in areas I spent time in. So out of curiosity, I decided to make a special trip to try them out and I’ll tell you what, overall it was worth the effort! Here’s what to expect when you visit.
Town Hall Burger & Beer in Durham – Location, Decor
With four locations in the Triangle (S. Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs) you’ve got multiple options in the Triangle to visit this restaurant. The Durham location is located conveniently right off of I-40 in a little plaza with an Aldi, Smashed Waffles, and Bonefish Grill, but there’s plenty of parking in this busy plaza. Walking up to Town Hall Burger and Beer (THBB), you’ll notice the substantial patio seating up front and to the side. Inside the front double-door you’ll find yourself in the first dining room. Town Hall Burger & Beer is counter order with some 4-tops up front and a refrigerated case of drinks. Large LED TVs up front display the menu and prices overhead.
But to the left, you’ll find a second dining room, a bit larger and more eclectically decorated. There’s a variety of high-top tables with stools and pub chair seating, the bar on the side offers 30 or so taps along with the latest games on TVs. This room has a bit of a sports bar feel and would serve you well for game day! The overall ambiance of THBB is casual, beer bar and pub decor that’s light, bright and comfortable for all. And don’t forget about the patio in front when the weather is nice.
Town Hall Burger & Beer in Durham – Food, Menu
But let’s face it, it’s all about the food if you’re going to drive out to the burbs! And while I usually love a good burger, figuring out what makes a GREAT burger is a bit more challenging. In my opinion, it’s all about the meat quality and bun like most sandwiches. But what puts a burger over the top are the toppings and then little ways it’s prepped for maximum taste and deliciousness. And I’d have to say that Town Hall Burger and Beer does a great job here, especially given it’s namesake.
For a great burger, I loved their Cowboy burger which features an 8 oz. Angus Beef patty, cheddar, bacon, onion strings, fried jalapenos and barbeque sauce piled high on a pretzel roll! Now with all these toppings, I’m usually expecting a messy meal but Town Hall Burger & Beer gets it right in terms of the amount of toppings and how they are layered. The savory pretzel bun also does well holding everything together. The patty melt is another excellent bite pairing an Angus Beef patty with sauteed onions, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing on toasted marble rye bread, dee-licious! The burgers are just big enough for a large meal or you could take half home if you pair a side with your sandwich since the burgers are served bare. There are also other sandwiches, tacos, and salads on the menu but you can not go wrong with a burger here, for sure!
And like the burgers, Town Hall Burger and Beer does a great job with their sides and appetizers. LOVE the onion strings which are light and tasty, I could eat an entire mound of these addictive strings. And the tots are perfectly fried for a crunchy exterior and soft fluffy interior. Their lumpy bumpy surface is great for dipping into your favorite sauce. I can’t wait to try out their sweet potato waffle fries, poutine, and fried mac n cheese but that will have to wait until my next visit!
Town Hall Burger & Beer in Durham – Service, Conclusion
With three locations in the Triangle, you’d expect the service at Townhall Burger & Beer to be solid given its success and experience and it is! The staff is very professional and the food gets out to you quickly but not too quickly since it’s cooked to order. I’ve mostly eaten at the bar so I’m not sure how the counter-order process works but hopefully well! Overall I can definitely say that Town Hall Burger & Beers is one of the better burger options in the Triangle. If you have one nearby, I’d definitely make an effort to visit them the next time you’re hankering for a great burger and some great beef, enjoy!
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