Rue Cler

What better time to check out a high-​end restaurant than Triangle Restaurant Week? (note: high end as in quality, but not in a stuffy way) Knowing this is a popular restaurant, especially for a Saturday night, I made reservations. I was not the only one, as there was literally a line of us waiting for the doors to open at precisely 5:30.
We were led to a window table in the second room where we proceeded to have quality service and quality food from beginning to end. Loved that we were told we could mix and match between the TRW menu and the regular one. Although both of us stuck with the TRW one. What appealed to me most about their TRW menu is that all three courses were savory. I don’t always want dessert, so this is a real plus for me.
First up: Manhattan for Husband. Red Wine for me. I didn’t recognize any of them, and our Server steered me to one I very much enjoyed. And we were brought a small loaf of bread with unsalted butter. This was the only thing all night that felt like it needed a touch of salt, either in the butter or the bread itself.
We each started with a salad: Husband’s had Arugula, Pear, Blue Cheese, Walnuts and a Champagne Vinaigrette. Mine was Radicchio, Frisee, Orange Segments, Black Olives dressed with just the right amount of Sherry Vinaigrette. Both were very fresh with flavors well-​balanced.
Next up, Husband had a fantastic Fried Cauliflower with Ham & Cheese. The one bite I managed to steal was so tangy and cheesy… yum! Meanwhile my Gruyère Gougere with Duck Confit and Leek Cream Sauce was also terrific! Think shreds of moist duck in a savory cream puff with just enough sauce as to flavor it without making it mushy.
Third course for Husband was Braised Beef Short Ribs pot-​roast like with carrots, potatoes & pearl onions, while I had the most delectably moist Pork Tenderloin, Sweet Potato Mash and Collards with a Mustard Jus. Again, perfection!
After all that, we somehow managed to share a perfect Crème Brulee as well, along with a just-​right coffee.
Note: They have pre-​fix three course menus regularly that are only a few bucks more than TRW, and an a la carte menu as well.

Amazing beignets! We went for brunch and used the reservation tool in Unilocal — super easy!
As for the food. WOW! Fresh squeezed OJ and omelets that were delish! We will be back.

This is a review for brunch:
Well, my brother got food poisoning, likely from undercooked eggs. So big negative. Manager responded to review and said he would look into it, pointing out they have great sanitation, which I agree with. Just speak up, as always, if something appears undercooked.
A big bonus was the attention they paid to Celiac’s disease. The waiter specified that my food be cooked in a separate pan. That was great.

We first encountered Rue Cler during a food tour. We were impressed with the food as well as the wine list. We don’t live close by, so it took us a while to make it back there for a full meal. We finally had the opportunity to go there for brunch last weekend!
Thankfully, we made a reservation. It was PACKED! We started with a half dozen beignets. They were fluffy, fresh, and delicious! Honestly, we probably only needed 2 – 3. I decided on the Gravalax Crêpe, which is made with smoked salmon. My husband ordered the Oeufs Rue Cler. Both dishes were fresh and delicious!
The service was quick and friendly, but we didn’t feel rushed. Since it was a Sunday before noon, we didn’t get a chance to try any wines, but now we have even more motivation to return for dinner!

The gentleman who served us had some attitude problem. When my co-​worker pointed out, the food was under-​cooked he acted as if he did not understand. He kept saying; no other person have complained about it and the food is traditionally made the way it is.
Right after the conversation, he was talking on our back with another server; directly looking at us… We could all hear him talk. It was very uncomfortable experience.
I heard few similar incidents from others in my community who had similar experiences form them.

People always raved about Rue Cler’s brunch, but honestly, I am not the biggest fan. So why the five star rating? Because their dinners are AMAZING! I’ve had many things, and have never had anything that hasn’t blown me away. But my favorite by far is their classic coq-​au-​vin. Try it! It is magical– especially on a rainy fall or winter evening, with a glass (or two) of red wine.
Also to note, the have a prix-​fix menu, but you don’t have to order all three courses. You can pick and choose as you like, and of course it is cheaper if you don’t order all three.

Tue lunch for us at Rue Cler. Omelette (spinach, cheddar cheese and red peppers instead of turkey) was good. The salad that came with it was greens only and was the best salad we’ve had in a while. Slow-​cooked pork crêpe was good. Beignets were OK… didn’t quite like the texture compared to what I’ve had before (in NoLa). Don’t know that I’d order them again.
Service was absolutely excellent. Menu choices were limited but the server was happy to offer substitutions etc. Menu was hard to read as we don’t speak much French. Tables were very close together.

I continue to be impressed by Rue Cler. I came here for breakfast instead of dinner and they are equally busy for this morning meal as well! Highly recommend you make a reservation. Even with a reservation, we still had to wait about 5 – 10 minutes for our table. One older couple walked in after we had arrived and when two-​two person tables became available, the elderly lady just flung her coat over the chair and claimed her spot! it was extremely awkward and her husband just stared at her but smiled. as though she is known for pulling these antics.
The host took it all in stride and let them stay. He later on apologized to us with some delicious beignets on the house! We all knew it wasn’t his fault but the gesture was appreciated nonetheless.
I had the duck confit crêpe. It was jam packed with delicious meat AND french fries! i didn’t read the menu carefully and also ordered french fries on the side. WHOOPS! it was a lot of delicious carbs but yummy nonetheless
My friends got bloody marys, which they both confirmed were delicious. Can’t beat the food here and certainly can’t beat the hospitality! Highly recommend Rue Cler… still!

First time trying this place after hearing the hype from friends and colleagues! We were able to get a table for two without reservation around 11am on a Saturday. The interior ambiance is modern with minimalist touches and unique ceiling lights.
Our wait staff were courteous and friendly. Waiter explained their daily specials and I knew immediately what I was going to order. We started off with a half dozen beignets, which weren’t the best IMHO. They were a bit overdone, with a bit too crunchy exterior.
The omelette of the day was turkey, tomato, and gueyere cheese! As a lover of cheese, this dish REALLY hit the spot. Paired with a simple green leaf salad and pepper, my tummy I was definitely satisfied.
Would definitely recommend it for folks new to Durham area and craving a decent brunch place.
Kicker: Free parking on Saturday and Sunday in the garage directly across the street!

This elegant bistro serves the most incredible food at reasonable prices!
The prix fix menu of $ 35 offer a three course meal, that is out of this world. Choices include potato leek soup, etc. short rib with mashed potatoes, duck leg confit and a host of other yummy choices.
I dined here several times on my last visit and was not disappointed. The waitstaff is personable, friendly and well seasoned in the space large and comfortable. This gym nestled in downtown Durham is not to be missed if you’re looking for incredible food at reasonable prices in a friendly atmosphere.
Ashle is amazing, and Ill definitely return!

Came here for the first time a few years ago and was happy to return while back in Durham! Delicious food and a great atmosphere.
Highly recommend the beignets.
I also enjoyed the Croque Madame. Very filling, and just the right amount of each ingredient.

I was here twice during my recent trip to Durham. I met a family member here for brunch and he is not very good at exploring new foods so when he saw they had crepes he asked if they could make one with ham and other meats and they were like «sure, whatever you want man» and it came out fast and it looked good.
Now, I had the french toast because I love sweet things and I loved it. The bread was not soggy like in other restaurants. It remained in shape and firm even after I poured the maple syrup on top.
I was a bit disappointed they did not have croissants! Like, really? A french restaurant with no croissants??? Blasphemy!

Excellent service. Host asked us if we wanted a drink as we waited for our table.
Special lamb omelette on the watery side. Lamb was tasteful. Skinny frites were crunchy, too many small fries in the mix.
Beignats nice and soft.
Mimosas were generous on the champagne. Always a plus.
Would return to try other items on menu.

I haven’t been to many Durham restaurants, but this one was a great experience! It is pretty authentic French entrees for brunch. We started with the beignets– if you go, you must get them they are amazing!
For our entrees, I got a salmon crêpe and the people with me got salad nicoise. Everything was delicious, fresh and large portions but not too filling. The setting is very cool– modern looking and not too cluttered. This restaurant is near DPAC so if you’re going to a show, it’s a great stop first.

I came here for Sunday brunch and thoroughly enjoyed my culinary experience here. The service was quite mediocre, but I’ll excuse it because it might have been due to the chaos of «Sunday brunch.»
I ordered the Duck Confit Crêpe with a side of fruit and finished off the meal with black coffee. The crêpe, which was filled with sautéed spinach, pommel frites, duck confit, and veal jus, was lovely. The duck confit was particularly impressive — the meat was so flavorful and tender from the veal jus. Spinach provided a nice complementing flavor. Fruit was seasonal, so it consisted of pineapple, red grapes, honeydew, and cantaloupe. Coffee was a bit weak and bland for my tastes.
Interior was nice and rustic. The wood elements, burgundy color palette, and natural lighting provided this wonderful, warm aura. I’ll definitely be back to try more dishes!

I rarely eat two nights in a row at the same restaurant. But Rue Cler is that rare restaurant that compelled me to return today evening after a fabulous dinner the night before. Here is the story of each night:
Tuesday (yesterday)
My colleague and I showed up for our 7:30 reservation and were offered the choice of several tables — we probably shouldn’t have bothered with the reservation, I thought to myself. We selected a small table in the corner so we could talk shop.
This being our first time, our waiter politely explained to us that there was a three course menu ($ 30) which changed daily — one could choose from one of three starters, one of three small plates, and one of three entrées. But we could order just one or two of the three courses, which were priced at $ 6 for a starter, $ 8 for a small plate, and $ 16 for an entrée. There was also a regular menu that we could order from.
I asked for a water (no ice). My colleague wanted a limoncello. They didn’t have any, so he settled for water as well.
I was in the mood for beignets, so I ordered the savory beignets for my appetizer. These arrived quickly and were huge, so I offered one to my colleague who had made short work of his starter — sautéed asparagus with a sunny side up egg smothered in Béarnaise sauce. The beignets were delicious — warm and crispy and stuffed with three kinds of cheese, and were served with a house mayonnaise that was to die for.
Next came our entrées — I had the vegetarian crêpe, he the coq au vin. My crêpe was stuffed with spinach, zucchini, squash and a delightful Boursin cheese. My colleagues chicken was huge, and swimming in juices and wine. We ate in silence, savoring every bite, enjoying the quiet atmosphere.
We probably should have skipped dessert as we were stuffed, but we wanted some more beignets — the sweet kind this time around. We decided to share a small order, which was just as well, because we were soon contemplating six large beignets sprinkled with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. They were the perfect ending to a fabulous meal.
Wednesday (today evening)
We arrived at 7:30 pm and the place was packed. There was one table available — the one we’d sat at the night before and the one my colleague had specifically reserved.
I asked for a water (no ice). My colleague wanted a limoncello (again). They didn’t have any (again), so he settled for water (again), but then changed his mind and ordered an old fashioned. He had to repeat his order three times before the waitress got it right, raising his voice an octave each time (it was loud in there).
We ordered quickly as neither of us wanted to stay too long — did I mention it was loud in there? He ordered butternut squash soup and the poulet rôti. I wasn’t too hungry and settled for two small plates from the three course menu — the pig cheek and the Spanish mackerel (as I could not decide between them) — forgoing my starter and entrée.
My pig cheek was a little salty but nicely cooked — I made short work of it, shamelessly soaking up the veal jus it sat in with some crusty baguette. My colleague enjoyed his soup.
The Spanish mackerel was next, and it was divine! Flaky, juicy, with the skin pan-​seared to perfection. My colleagues roasted chicken was humongous — so big that he offered me a thigh. It was delicious — the meat tender and falling off the bone.
Again we ate in silence, but this time because it was too loud to talk in there! And left before dessert, escaping into the quiet and cool Durham evening.
Will I return again tomorrow evening? You betcha!

Location: located in downtown Durham, this place is little bit hard to find. Parking could be an issue but luckily I was there on a weekend. So there are plenty parking spots for me to choose.
Food: I had my brunch there with my friend. We got French toast with strawberries and duck confit crêpe. And the beignets. I have to say I am bit disappointed by beignets, which is not crispy and tasty. Duck confit crêpe is too salty because of the duck and frites in it.
Service: we waited a little bit to get out table. And the service is fast and quickly
Overall: sorry for being picky on the restaurant. I have been dining out fine French restaurants a lot. In generally I would say this place deserves a 3.5 star. I wish I could have another time to try their dinner

Rue Clear I still want more!!! I finally had the opportunity to check out Rue Cler this week for a lunch meeting. Although I desperately wanted the mussels I decided to order the Chicken Paillard and get some greens in. The Chicken Paillard was delicious served on top of lettuce dressed with a champagne vinaigrette. The chicken had melted brie on top and the salad was dressed with lots of crispy onion rings.
I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant it’s just the right size and not to noisy. The host and waitress were great. They offer some great specials including a soup of the day and a fish of the day. The lunch menu consists of some great entrée choices with some of your favorite french dishes like steak frites and Coq au Vin. They also have a large variety of crepes to choose from that all come with fries or a salad, I was tempted by the duck confit crêpe. The crepes are a great choice for lunch at only $ 9 it’s quite a treat.
The couple next to me ordered the beignets and I almost stole one right off the table, but I’ll just need to wait till my next visit.
I’m definitely returning to try the mussels and happy to see that they are also offered at dinner time and brunch.

Beignets. Mimosas. Brunch. So much yes. I don’t get down to Durham all that often, but I’ll definitely make it a point to be back for another visit to this place. This was the perfect spot for Saturday brunch on a beautiful spring day. The host warmly greeted my party of 2+a stroller and found the perfect spot to accommodate the little bundle of joy we carted along in a stroller (with all the excessive accessories that come with a newborn).
Our server was quirky and sweet, not too pushy but gave us just the right amount of attention. Our food runner put the cherry on top when he accidentally dropped a piece of my bacon on to my friend’s plate — we both explained that we’d been friends for 15 years and really don’t take offense to mixing breakfast meats but asked for hot sauce, and he brought me back hot sauce with 2 extra slices of bacon just to be sweet. Maybe I was already in a great mood or something, but I thought it was a delightful, certainly supererogatory gesture. A++ service in my book.
Thanks, Rue Cler, for all the hospitality and the delicious meal!

The beignets here are to DIE for. I’m not kidding. These are not the squishy over-​sugared ones that resemble donut holes, these are legitimate beignets they serve here at Rue Cler. Sourdough bread and just the perfect amount of powdered sugar. They come in full dozens or half dozens. I definitely recommend getting the full dozen if you have 3 or more people — they’re just that good.
The Croque Madame here is delicious as well (and it’s way better than the one at Le Farm). I recommend getting the salad as your side — the house dressing is very good! The Duck Crêpe is also very good and so is the quiche of the Day (though the portion size is tiny). The interior of this place is cute and rustic. The actual restaurant is fairly small (though there are two separate rooms) so I would definitely recommend getting here earlier for brunch to avoid a wait. I went once at 11 and there were only 3 other tables, but by the time we were done eating at 12:30, there was a wait to be seated. I’m updating my review for this place to 5 stars after coming to this place practically once a month for the last 8 months or so. Rue Cler is simply amazeballs — what are you waiting for?