The Cosmic Cantina

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1920 Perry St, Durham, NC 27705
Durham, NC 27705

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(919) 286-1875
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Reviews
( 18 )
( 17 )
( 9 )
( 1 )
( 4 )

Best

Please don't listen to the reviewer who recommends two *chain* restaurants instead of this kooky, eclectic, awesome restaurant tucked away on 9th street. I can't think of a bette...

Worst

Bland, uninteresting flavors catered to an audience unaccustomed to real Mexican food. I grew up in New Mexico and Los Angeles, so I know Mexican food and this place leaves much ...

Super good, and totally safe! 3/23/2006

I really enjoy CC, not for authentic Mexican food but for quality, filling meals. The prep is simple but tasty and FAST! As far as the security of the Perry St location I can safely say that as a 31 yr old woman I feel perfectly fine going there day or night. Pros: quality, affordable, staff Cons: drunk Dukies at, at times more
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Giant Chicken delicious! 2/16/2006

While the stairs are a bit narrow and highly pitched, the climb is worth it for the Giant Chicken alone. I occassionally get one at noon on Friday and I have lunches through the weekend! Yummy with some salsa on the side. Distinctively Durham! Pros: cool patio, good food, good guacamole Cons: steep stairs, popular (crowded) more
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Sliding Downhill? 12/8/2005

I'm sad to even write this, but over the past several months, I've noticed the service at Cosmic Cantina going down, down, down. There is one cashier who consistently gets my order wrong--it'd probably be better if they had sheets to fill out, like the Armadillo Grill. But even when the order is wrong, the food is good. I'm so torn. I love the food, but I feel abused when I go there... but still I go numerous times a week. Pros: Good food, Eggplant, Cheap Cons: Bad service, No parking, Wrong orders more
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User review by aethelthryth 6/14/2005

Is it a hole in the wall (at either location)? Yes. But you get the best food. (And 9th Street is perfectly safe, even at night.) I've been a Cosmic addict for the last 7 years and you cannot beat it for value, healthiness, flavour, and sheer size. 1 grande veggie burrito = 3 meals! Pros: inexpensive, huge portions, fresh and healthy Cons: limited parking more
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the BEST 7/20/2004

Although I'm partial to the Chapel Hill location, I absolutely LOVE cosmic cantina. The food is awesome and the prices are incredible. It's the perfect spot for late night eating or for fast food that won't give you a heart attack on the spot. Pros: inexpensive, GREAT food, fast more
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Please come to Raleigh! 2/4/2003

No Cantina in Raleigh? I miss you, $4 grilled vegetable burrito! I have to settle for Qdoba now. Pros: soooo cheap, yummy & healthy, fast Cons: not in Raleigh more
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My savior... 1/11/2003

I know I've spent many a night at Cantina. There's something about 2:37AM that makes me crave a giant steak chimichanga, and they it's so big, I can just skip breakfast! more
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the best ever 12/24/2002

this is a very good pace to eat and the best time to go is at lunch time when the staff is friendly and is really quick Pros: price Cons: crowd more
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Best Late Food Around 11/13/2002

After moving from any city, there is always that unique food-joint that you can't duplicate in the new locale. For me, it will be CC. (I even have it on my speed dial.) I don't compare it to true mexican food--there are plenty authentic places in Durham for that--but simple, high quality ingredients prepared fast and good. The veg burrito made appearances at least twice a week on my menu last year, although my newest favorite is the chicken quesadilla. In the summer months when fresh tomatoes abound, there is NO beating the freshly made salsa!! Great prices and none of the loose change to deal with since all prices are right on the dollar. Just don't go between 2am and 3am because it is overrun with drunk college kids. Pros: cheap, fresh stuff, nice deck Cons: panhandlers outside, parking can be hard more
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Good Gringo Mex 10/23/2002

This is a good place for a quick mexi-fix and a Pacifico in the evening. However, if you have ever enjoyed Mexican food intended for Mexicans - not soft-palated gringos - the food here is pretty dull in comparison. But they cater to a certain crowd, and for those who enjoy a little more spice they do offer a very good hot sauce at the tables. The last couple of times I was there I removed very grey piece of...um...chicken? from my burrito. As for the prices: a burrito the size of your head is $4 in California. At CC it's $9. But at least they have 'em. more
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2 yuppie 10/3/2002

not worth the money - location is unsafe - need to go armed to the hilt!!! Cons: expensive, unsafe location, too uppie more
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Biggest Burrittos Ever! 9/28/2002

This was and still is one of the best late night spots to get food. Especially after the club, no long waits like at the waffle house. It's not very pretty but at night when you hungry, who cares! The burrittos are huge and equally tasty. They have fed me and my husband many a late college night. And we still enjoy going. Pros: inexpensive, large portions more
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Best Mexican Food Anywhere 9/14/2002

Cantina is the best restaurant anywhere for big, healthy, tasty, cheap burritos. The building has some real character too. Pros: Great Food, Inexpensive more
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Yummy 9/4/2002

Cosmic is assume. The food is great and cheap. The place looks a bit scary when you walk in but hey I like dives! Pros: Great food, inexpensive Cons: it'a a dive more
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Yummy, healthy, and cheap! 8/8/2002

Cosmic has fantastic, fresh, inexpensive Mexican food. A great ""college"" type atmosphere, with good lighting, music, and service. The food is delicious and they offer lots of vegetarian and vegan options. more
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Cheap Eats 8/7/2002

A 9th Street must, cheap food and big burritos but could use some cleaning up. more
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A Step into Mexico 8/1/2002

You'll never believe that you're still in Durham. Great atmosphere for a nachos and the like! more
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Cheap and terrific 7/31/2002

This place is the absolute best deal around. All of the ingredients are fresh and the burritos are huge. You can easily get your fill for $4.00. Highly recommended for those mexican food cravings! more
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Great Dive! 7/29/2002

It is truly a dive. The food is great though. The burritos are all good and the salsa is very fresh. Request chips and salsa if it is for take out though, they are not an automatic. Great durham food. Summer is good for eating out on their patio. Pros: Tasty, Cheap Cons: Dinky Place more
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Dinky atmosphere, great food 7/26/2002

Good, cheap food... open late, so that you can chill when some other places are closed. Definitely a bargain for the buck! Pros: good food, open late, really cheap Cons: shabby place more
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Menu for The Cosmic Cantina


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Editorial

  • In Short
    Just around the corner from Ninth Street, head up the stairs, toward the noise. On warm days, take advantage of the off-street back patio at this no-frills eatery. All the basics...

  • 7/25/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-4pm
  • Payments: American Express, Discover, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Old West Durham
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