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The Federal
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants Canadian (New) Pubs, Canadian (New) [Edit]
914 W Main StDurham, NC 27701
(919) 680-8611
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
125 reviews for The Federal
Review Highlights
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"The beer selection is fantastic as well." In 30 reviews -
"The veggie sliders are freaking awesome." In 10 reviews -
"...have a really awesome gourmet specials menu and a really..." In 9 reviews
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125 reviews in English
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Review from Kristi R.
Durham, NC
4/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had been to the Federal before for drinks, but never for dinner. I was pleasantly suprised. This place has a very ecclectic menu that ranges from traditional bar fare to rabbit. I feasted on a gourmet grill cheese which was fantastic.
The place looks really small, but there is seating out front and in the very back - we sat there with a group of ten and were able to sit comfortably. -
Review from Helen Z.
Camas, WA
5/24/2012
I went for dinner with my friends to the Federal with high expectations and was unfortunately disappointed by the food.
Service started slow but improved throughout the night. Initially, the waitress took one look at us, wrote us off as college kids, and brought out our water in plastic cups. When we ordered two of the more expensive entrees however, I think she reevaluated and began to pay more attention to us. At the end of the night, she impressed me with the way she remembered how to divide the check. As my friend put it, it's the little details that count.
We started with the housemade hummus with tabouli salad and warm pita bread. I have a personal soft spot for any good hummus and the creamy texture of this hummus won me over with the soft fresh pita. The tabouli was mediocre but maybe I am just not a fan of tabouli in general. The three of us enjoyed sharing this plate but were eager for our entrees, which took a bit longer than I would have liked to arrive.
As for the entrees, the menu that had been displayed online did not reflect the actual specials being offered that night, so I had to choose from a much smaller selection than I had anticipated. When our food arrived, I was immediately dismayed by how small the portion size was. I ordered scallops and while I recognize that seafood is expensive, there is no way the three scallops and bed of spinach I received was worth the $20 they were charging. The scallops themselves were very succulent, though the flavoring of the scallops somewhat clashed with the cream sauce they were served over. The spinach lacked flavor and was a bit on the greasy side.
One of my friends ordered the pasta special of the night and though I didn't try any of it, I could tell he didn't like it much either. The pasta itself was drenched in a pool of oil so my friend actually felt obligated to fish out his food onto a separate plate before eating it. Also, at $18 a plate, I was expecting a bit more quantity for his dish as well.
My other friend made a better choice than both of us by selecting the carnitas and at $8, it was the only entree item we had ordered that I felt was actually worth the money.
Overall, I will definitely not be ordering entrees at the Fed again but I may consider returning for their sandwiches and lunch special. I have heard good rumors about their burgers and veggie sliders and would like to give them a try before writing it off. -
Review from Charlie W.
Durham, NC
4/19/2012
I hate to give up on the Fed. I have been going for years and defended it throughout, but after another night of terrible service (it took an hour to get our food), I had to stand down.
The Fed has a lot going for it. The food is general good (especially the garlic fries), they have a nice beer selection, and above all they have a great patio. At the end of the day though it comes down to service, and the Fed doesn't have it. -
Review from Starla P.
Durham, NC
5/22/2012
Good but so over-priced. I like the sandwiches though. Service has always been pretty good here.
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Review from Michelle K.
Durham, NC
Updated - 3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Second times the charm. Saturday around 9pm-signed in on the clipboard grabbed a number and stood by the bar. We got a table within five minutes. I was pleasantly surprised that we were off to a good start this time around.
With my Bells two hearted ale in hand, I ordered the fed burger with gruyere cheese and garlic fries, my partner ordered the Pimento cheese and fried green tomato sandwich with garlic friends. WOW....YUM...I admit I kept eating even after I was stuffed. We split both the plates. Fries are the bomb, so long as you don't mind the garlic, or if you're on a date. !!! Burger was good, juicy, but I will be back for the Pimento fo Sho!! Good job Federal, you won me over!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/7/2012
I really wanted to like this place. Heard great things, great location. However, worst service EVER.… Read more »
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Review from Katie P.
Chapel Hill, NC
3/23/2012
Maybe I made poor choices, or maybe I just hyped up the experience too much in my mind.
First, let me preface this review by saying it was Friday at 6pm. They were crowded. I think we stole the last seat in the restaurant.
The nachos were great. My veggie sliders and my boyfriend's pork bbq sandwich were good, but a bit bland. My side salad was good, but a bit dry.
Service was a bit slow at first, but picked up towards the end of our visit. I feel like this may be the Friday post work rush.
I haven't lost hope. I have a feeling that it was an off night. -
Review from Tori T.
Chapel Hill, NC
3/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place smells like garlic, in the most fantastic way (incredible garlic fries)!
I must say, though, that I was more than a bit disappointed by their beer selection. For the Triangle, it was pretty sub-par. -
Review from Tara M.
Durham, NC
2/26/2012 5 Check-ins Here
The food here never disappoints me. I made sure to follow them on twitter so I'm up-to-date on their specials. I had the mahi mahi po'boy the last time I went and it was great! Their fries are also amazing!
Only quirk I found was the size of the bathrooms. I'm pretty short, 5'1.5" (yes, the half inch counts!) and I barely fit! According to the hubby the men's room is just as small. -
Review from Lindsay S.
Durham, NC
1/7/2012
i thought I'd give the Fed three tries before rating it, and I've been pleased every time I've been. I love the atmo: the low, comfy tables and benches, the big rambling bar, the outside patio (for when it's nice, like this weekend), and the back room. I love the beer list, which has yet to disappoint. And I really, really love the menu, which thus far has served up some real winners: the huge, beany pile of nachos; a woodsy, rich special of rabbit ravioli; and the ever-excellent veggie sliders. Next on my list: the veggie grilled cheese (which has tempted me every time but has lost out to other, more immediate fare).
I know this place can get packed on weekends, but we can be early birds if we want and have been fortunate to grab a table without a wait both times we came for dinner, and found seats at the bar the one night we came for drinks. Even if we did have to wait, though, they seem to have worked out a nifty little first-come-first serve wait system (without a hostess), and folks seem to line up congenially enough... I'd be content to grab a good beer and hang out.... it's worth the wait.
I'd give this five stars if it weren't for the ever-so-too dark atmo (I like a dimly light restaurant but one that at least affords enough light to read the menu without peering) and the two overly-bright TVs above the bar. It seems a shame to spoil this great bar with the addition of TVs.
Otherwise, love. We'll be back lots. -
Review from Kathleen B.
Hamden, CT
3/26/2012
Several locals had told me to check out The Federal, so on Sunday I made my way down there On the specials board was a lentil vegan soup with mushrooms and squash. I was sold. The soup was absolutely outstanding. Savory, spicy, with complex favors. The veggie sliders were a pleasant surprise to see on the menu, so I had to try them. They were slightly fried, which gave them a nice crisp on the outside and topped with guacamole and salsa, they were outstanding. While I usually prefer to eat at the bar, it was incredibly noisy inside and opted for outdoor seating. Even though it was not busy outside, my waitress, Lacey, was attentive, friendly, and gave me some suggestions for other places to visit while in town.
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Review from Brian A.
11/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
What can you expect from a pub with a throwback feel? Close quarters? Alot of elbow rubbing? A great beer selection? Some greasy bar food?
The Federal has all but the latter. The inside is a dark pub with alot of warm bodies swarming the bar and filling the nooks. Clink Clink, muffled discourse, bellied laughs...the sound of the Federal paints a picture of a good time. The decor is a dark wooden bar with burgundy walls and two televisions turned to sports. The walls are covered in collectible beer signs that can easily impress the average beer lover.
The beer selection here is impressive. There's something here for everybody. It was hard to stick to a single type when there were so many that I wanted to try.
I can't say reviewing this place as a restaurant over a bar makes sense. Yes they sell food...and pretty good for bar food. I had the nachos with braised pork...and it was great! I did have a few cold ones in me...so you may want to take this with the grain-of-salt. I'm not sure I'd ever choose a bar to go to for dinner if I wasn't drinking. So I have to call this a bar that serves good food.
As for the speed of the service...this place was packed...so i wasn't expecting expedient service. The bartenders and servers were quite pleasant and as fast as I could have expected them to be.
Try: as many unique beers as you can...and the strange, but interesting, Asianesque backroom
Avoid: expecting speedy service on a weekend night -
Review from Chris S.
Chicago, IL
11/18/2011
Comfortable, laid back bar? Check
Great beer selection? Check
Friendly staff? Check
Great food, way better than expected, in fact? Check.
My new favorite place to hit when in Durham. -
Review from Christina G.
Durham, NC
Updated - 1/1/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Give me back my Durham card! I'm a fan of the Fed finally! Don't know it it was the change of chef, or just a shift in attitude, but recent visits have been pretty stellar as far as food, service, and general awesomeness. Have had some luck with the specials, but I recently ordered the Carnitas and was just blown away to find such affordable, flavorful, and filling fare at a bar. The Everest-sized nachos are also pretty baller. I really enjoy sitting in the backroom. Avoid the bathrooms if you can -- cramped. I'm not saying with certainty you'll pee on yourself; but given the number of excellent beers on tap, you might.
Listed in: Triangle Dive Bars
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/27/2009
My experience was between a "meh" and an "okay", but I'm giving Federal the benefit of a doubt since… Read more »
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Review from Juan S.
Miami, FL
2/14/2012
Hip, quirky, urban and fun! I'd say this was a definite highlight on a recent trip to town. Laid-back and very casual with some upscale twists to the menu that came as a surprise. The food was actually pretty good for being in a bar-type setting. Historical looking builing gave a lot of character to this place....will definitely return if I'm back in town.
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Review from Amy B.
Cary, NC
7/27/2011
Sometimes, it's hard to know what to expect out of a place with rave reviews. Are the reviews reflective of a time gone by? Written by staunch regulars? Everybody has had an experience with rave online reviews that turn out to be...well...wrong. But, I'm going to join the ranks here, and say that I really enjoyed my experience at the Federal. I know, I know, aloof hipsters can be really annoying, and this place has a lot of them. But what if the menu has some "outside the bar experience" items, the chef knows what he's doing, and the beer selection is great?
Well, yelpers, this is a call to all of you to look beyond the hipsters filled with ennui, and focus on the food. Remember, that's what it's all about.
If I can belly up to a bar, and order duck with current sauce served over faro pilaf, well, that is a banner day. If I can order a nice craft beer served in an appropriate vessel, alongside some rosemary french fries, all the while doing some top-notch people watching and harmless eavesdropping of said hipsters? Well, then, hell yeah i'm gonna belly up to that bar, hipsters be damned.
and i'll probably do it again. you should too.Listed in: Water holes with which to wet…
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Review from Jessica H.
Durham, NC
9/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
One of my favorite restaurants in Durham. Always try to order off the specials menu- I have heard that this is where the chef is allowed to be creative and experiment with the freshest stuff. I've had amazing salads (one with beets and goat cheese comes to mind) and sandwiches (a barbecue brisket once, I believe).
The service is great, although it's worth noting that you have to seat yourself and a prime table can be difficult to get. -
Review from Dave M.
Durham, NC
9/18/2011
This review is mostly about the atrocious service we experienced at the Federal yesterday. I believe it ranked with the worst service I've ever experienced. We get there at 8:00, and once we sit down, it takes 10 minutes for our server to come visit our table. Then we had to ask multiple times for food menus, add another 20 minutes. Then after ages longer, our orders were finally taken. Add another 45 minutes to get us our food, which were muscles, burgers, and sliders. We're not talking beouf burgeon here. The appetizers came at the same time as the entrees. And it's not like they were very busy, so I can't really explain what was going on.
The food was pretty good and the beer selection is excellent, but don't expect decent service or reasonable wait times for the food. -
Review from Pat F.
Yet another fabulous meal at The Federal--this time it was Panang Curry Chicken Wings with Apples and Spiced Cabbage, one of the specials. Give me bar food like this anytime!
P.S. If you get there before about 6:30, hipsters are thin on the ground. Just saying.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/16/2011
A friend and I have been meeting here every month for dinner/drinks for about 3 years now, usually… Read more »
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Review from Joseph D.
Boston, MA
11/4/2011
Probably my favorite neighborhood bar/restaurant in the world. Excellent beer selection (bottles and draft) with even better food. I'm a big fan of their sandwiches, salads, nachos - guacamole and sour cream on the side - and fries. Definitely the best fries in Durham since Jo & Joe's closed. Hard to choose between the fries and salad. Sometimes I get both.
You will be pleasantly surprised by this place, I can almost guarantee. Service isn't the friendliest around, but they make up for it with speed and accuracy.
There are perhaps better places on Main Street for outdoor seating, but the ambiance inside is unbeatable, back room as well as front. -
Review from Scott S.
2/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Good food (but wasn't overly impressed), great beer (some really good ones on tap), and very cool atmosphere. For my occasional days in Durham it's A-OK.
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Review from Inki S.
1/7/2012
Love the veggie sliders! And the garlic fries- my personal favorite in the triangle. And everything else, except the bathrooms. Smallest EVER, but they work, ya know? The food is fantastic (split the nachos with like 3 other people, not kidding), and I certainly love sitting outside on a beautiful day. Beer selection is good, service is good, and food is terrific. What more can you possibly want? Well, maybe that it not be in Durham so it isn't so far away and I don't have to be around a bunch of Dookies. ;)
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Review from rAs j.
Durham, NC
9/17/2011
I have to give the Federal 2 stars based on service and inconsistency.
First the pros: good tap selection; good cocktails; cozy atmosphere; outside patio; good food with good chef specials. I recently had a local cheese and saffron risotto that was excellent. I've had several other good meals and a few average meals.
The cons: really slow and often unfriendly service; occasionally subpar food. Like many other reviewers, I've experienced pretty much straight apathy and zero enthusiasm as far as service goes. Don't bother going for dinner on Sundays. There will be 2 waitresses and the entire restaurant will be seated. Why? This has happened more than twice. You have to put serious effort into flagging down your server or bartender. Drinks and condiments often get forgotten. Plates sit under the heat lamp for way too long. People get pissed. Seems like an easily solved problem; hire more servers and train them better.
It's good for drinks and you can get a really tasty meal. But it's pretty hit or miss. The service and inconsistency kill it. -
Review from Mei O.
2/21/2012
Dear, sweet Jeebus, the Fed burger is deee-licious. And pretty big. And delicious. Sitting out on the patio during a beautiful, sunny day made for a perfect lunch. My friend enjoyed her butternut squash soup, and liked her grilled cheese, but wasn't over the moon about it. I can't say too much about the ambiance inside because we stayed on the patio the whole time, but I can definitely see how this is a great place to get a beer and some yummy food. Next time I'll bring the hubs to see how the beer is. Incubating a baby means that I stuck to iced tea on this trip.
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Review from Chase A.
6/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Absolutely in love with 2 things at the Fed: the grilled cheese (hold the cukes) and the grilled pimento cheese. My food experiences here have gotten way better over the past couple years. Given the bread-and-cheese attacks that are my entree choices, I tried to get the greens a couple times instead of fries. Wasn't thrilled with them -- I think it's the dressing that's bitter, which doesn't go well with bitter greens. Also, I know this is blasphemy, but wasn't that thrilled with the nachos either -- mostly cuz I strongly prefer the ones down the street at Alivia's. (Don't go to Alivia's much in general, but that's where it's at for nachos.)
(Update 12/14/11: over the past couple months, the cooks have been barely scraping the bread with pimento cheese. That's not a sandwich. And I'm not paying 9 bucks for bread. On the plus side, the other grilled cheese is still great, and the greens have gotten better.)
Great tap selection. I'm surprised they don't have any Fullsteam -- very few local beers for that matter -- but it's nice to find good other ones too. Generally a lot of IPAs and a good variety of others.
And onward to everyone's favorite, the service. There are a handful of servers who are just awful, for one reason or another. Awful. Then I've also had some of the best, most efficient service here too. I've only started becoming a near regular recently, and it was in part because a couple servers are damn good.
I think my biggest gripes are how crowded it can get (insert dig at people loitering (post-eating/drinking) at outside tables here) and how easy it is to run up $30/person on just food and beer. -
Review from Lester M.
1/15/2012
If you're a Duke graduate student, then you've probably been here multiple times, and hence you don't need to be reading this review. For those who haven't been to the Fed, here's the skinny. The Fed is a really chill bar that's dark and warmly decorated. The atmosphere is very comfortable, but it does tend to get packed on occasion. The beer selection is great, and the mixed drinks are pretty decent as well. The first time I ever went here was way back in the day (2007?) and what really surprised me was the quality of the food. It's honestly really good for a bar. The nachos are excellent, as is the rest of the menu. In all the years that I've lived in Durham, I don't think I've ever had a bad meal here.
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Review from Kristen O.
Morrisville, NC
6/6/2011
Before going to The Federal in March I read some reviews about poor and slow service. I hoped that this was not the case but unfortunately it was. The Federal is a pretty cool place to hang out and they have some unique specials. It was one of the first nice days back in March and the outside patio was full. My friends and I were at a table in the back room which was quite nice...until the air conditioner back there started blasting and no one was to be found to turn it off for a good 15 minutes...I think I'm getting ahead of myself...
My friends and I were in the back and the atmosphere at the place was pretty cool. It was a Sunday afternoon and people were hanging out enjoying themselves. I ordered the house white wine, which was surprisingly delicious: I'm glad I decided to start with the house as it was only about $5 I think. I ordered the Carnitas, which were very delicious and the portion size was very good. I was able to make two tortillas and also take some home.
The food was great and the wine was good. But unfortunately what I read about the service was true. And it wasn't because the server was lacking...the restaurant was just short-staffed and we barely saw her the whole time. However, I would not let this prevent me from returning. -
Review from Kellye M.
Chapel Hill, NC
8/13/2011
Meh. :( I wanted to LOVE this place, I really did. But I got a roast beef sandwich that was just... terrible. So the meat was tough and had chunks I had to just pull out and put to the side, which disgusts me. The meat was also pretty bland(yes, it's roast beef, but roast beef can be amazingly well flavored) and the sandwich itself was bland as hell. The sweet potato fries were pretty tasty, but I was amazed at their lack of dipping sauces... she asked me if I wanted ketchup for them... O.o The nachos my friend ordered were ok, the chips were tasty, but again, lacking anything special. Because of the terrible sandwich, I'd give their food a 2 :/
HOWEVER! Their drink menu was fantastic. My friends and I ordered delicious martinis that we absolutely loved and enjoyed. Their bar menu definitely gets a 4 with the tasty drinks we all tried.
So... that brings us to a 3 for this place. I would definitely drink here again, but I doubt I would try the food here again unless forced to it. -
Review from Rosa L.
Durham, NC
11/1/2011
Pros: veggies sliders were great. service was prompt, if not very interactive
Cons: crab and corn bisque was thin with almost nothing in it. I counted exactly 3 kernels of corn in my whole bowl. I barely touched it. In most restaurants, the waitstaff would've commented to ask if anything was wrong, but they stayed mum when I asked them to clear my nearly full bowl. I had asked for aioli on the side for my sliders, which was printed on my receipt, but got aioli on my sliders -
Review from Jeff M.
San Francisco, CA
6/14/2011
Love this place. Amazing fries, and decent vegetarian selection for an NC bar. Also, great and creative chefs.
They only serve local beers on tap, with a wide selection at great prices. -
Review from Relevant E.
Raleigh, NC
4/3/2011
I was in the Durham area this weekend and mosied into The Federal solely based on the Yelp attention this joint has received. The reviews were dead on - delicious, beautiful food disguised within a dark, vintage dive bar. In retrospect, neither I nor my lunch mate had any complaints about our lunch - everything was perfect. As directed, we started lunch with an order of "Fed fries" - cut potatoes tossed in an oil/garlic/parsley mixture - good balance, the herbs were not overpowering and we easily polished off the entire basket.
My lunch mate and I split the chicken sandwich & grilled cheese sandwich. The chicken was so tasty! - The Federal can really work with herbs. They don't monopolize the entree, but subtly highlight flavors in the food. I didn't ask for any accessory sauce - which is usually the cause w/chicken, so truly tasty marinade. The grilled cheese was introduced as the menu favorite by the waitress - if I was still vegetarian I would have been turning cartwheels, but the chicken sandwich was undeniably superior. Both sandwiches were grilled like paninis (my fav) and were generously garnished with tomatoes, avocado and spring greens. The side mixed green salad was selected as our sides, since we carbed up earlier. Beautiful greens - there's always something elegant about mixed baby greens with balsamic dressing - a bit out of place considering The Fed's motif, but delicious none the less.
The Fed featured several beers on its chalkboard, and by the traffic in&out to its barstools -- its a decent little bar for a drink(s).
Overall: The Federal definitely has it going on... stop in. -
Review from Susan Z.
Updated - 1/24/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Chef changed & now it's just another dive bar serving pub food (nachos, burgers, etc). Really really disappointing.
Before, the Federal was this hidden gem with my favorite sandwich in the Triangle (smoked salmon w/ mozza). Now the menu is way small (no weekly specials) and so stereotypical - serving stuff you can get at every other pub in the Triangle.
We soldiered on, trying to remain optimistic despite the overwhelming disappointment. They still had the lentil sliders, so we got that and a bowl of french onion soup. The fries w/ the lentil sliders were cold, the french onion soup was overpriced for $5/bowl considering it had two tiny pieces of bread w/ some cheese on the bread (not covering the soup). The cheese was not even golden brown and bubbly, looked like it was just melted by using the microwave.
Officially removing The Federal from my life, it's got no redeeming qualities any more. Now it's just: Dirty, noisy, spotty service, with mediocre pub food.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/22/2010
Great food, good daily drink specials, total dump of a place. Nice patio outside facing Main St.… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer J.
Chapel Hill, NC
5/12/2011
I went on a first date at the Federal, and I'm giving it four stars--not just because the date went well! :)
I sat at the bar to wait for my date, and the bartender was super welcoming and friendly. Once the guy arrived, we were seated easily (it was a Tuesday, though--I think it's a small place, and a Friday night might have been a different story). We were served quickly, and my saffron risotto was AMAZING. Best I've ever had, and a lot of it--I reheated it the next day and it was even better.
The prices are fair, and the service was wonderful and friendly all around. I'll be going back a lot! -
Review from Jennifer B.
Durham, NC
2/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good stuff. Wandered in one night because my boyfriend was looking for a burger. After hearing that Federal uses local meat and grinds it fresh there we both ordered the burger. I was very impressed by the quality of the service. We got the food to go but sat at the bar waiting and was very impressed. I like the decor and find it very laid back and great for a neighborhood bar. I am not a drinker so I cannot comment on the late night atmosphere but seems like somewhere I would be comfortable hanging out.
The burgers though....were great! They were cooked perfectly and very tasty. This was the first burger I have had in three years and was very impressed! I would def come back to visit again and try some of the other menu items. -
Review from Isana G.
4/30/2011
Let me get this out of the way first - GREAT beer selection. [This was true for every place on our 3 city NC trip.]
The Federal has a good vibe despite the crazy host who acted like he snorted an eight-ball and then went back for another. He actually yelled at me for being unable to find the light in the ladies room [it was outside!] but since I was on vacation this was quirky and charming instead of rude and annoying.
Before heading to The Federal I was whining to my friends about my strange salad craving. I was jonesing for a salad with red peppers, artichokes, and goat cheese. Guess what was one of the specials on the menu. I ordered my salad as an entree it was perfect if only because it was exactly what I wanted. That said, the red peppers and artichokes came from a Costco jar. I just happened not to care. Did I mention I was on vacation?
Spousal Unit had a mushroom [?] risotto which was very well prepared and well-portioned. Friend had some sort of veggie sandwich that she said was tasty.
Service was friendly and courteous. A good time was had. If this place was in my neck of the woods, I'd be a regular. -
Review from Lila Z.
San Diego, CA
12/22/2011
Great selection of beer. Very laid back atmosphere where everyone is just trying to unwind from the week and have a good time. I loved the lentils veggie burger.
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Review from Oliver C.
Durham, NC
Updated - 11/25/2010
I'm dropping the Federal to 4 stars..sorry guys. It's still really great for what it is: great brews and great food in an unpretentious environment.
The problem is that the crowd has certainly shifted to more of a Duke-centric group..and that's not a bad thing if you want to be surrounded by students. I'm just not so into that. Brightleaf as a whole has just become preppier, James Joyce is wayyyy worse though.
The food at the Federal is still great and the beer selection top notch. BUT It's usually very crowded and hard to find a table. The bartenders are still fairly shitty. They LOVE to ignore you while you're waiting, but thats okay b/c the waitresses are incredibly sweet. And the door guy...well he's got some mood issues.
Basically, much like Raleigh Times the Federal has become a victim of its own success. But it hasn't gone too far yet. Still very worth checking out if you haven't. However, most of my drinking nights now occur eastward.
I hella recommend the risotto bowl and the veggie sliders (even though they should really give you a 3rd slider IMO). The nachos are a freaking MOUNTAIN.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/2/2008
The perfect relaxed bar with high-class pub food. The Federal is one of the more hip, punkrock… Read more »
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Review from Eunice D.
Oakland, CA
3/9/2011
Ok so second time eating at Federal and I must say that this time I'm impressed! First time I ate the chicken sandwich and it was boring at best and service was spotty.
This time...I had the pork belly special, ate at the bar and it was awesome! Great service and melt in your mouth food!
Nice work Federal...I'll be back!
P.S
I came back again because they have great beers on tap and I felt like a second chance was in order...glad I did. -
Review from Michael L.
Philadelphia, PA
3/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I got a salad with oranges and goat cheese. The size was great (for $8 especially), but the dressing tasted very strange--slightly bitter? Couldn't put my finger on it.
Beer selection was pretty great. Service was okay. I'd be back to try a few things, but it wouldn't be at the top of my list. -
Review from Kelly L.
Durham, NC
11/29/2010
Good beer and good wings, what more could you ask for! The Fed always has a great selection of beer and some unusual flavored but tasty chicken wings. The salads are exceptional and the fries do not disappoint. Then there are the nachos. This is a great sharing dish that will satisfy a table of 3 or 4.
The staff is friendly, but when they get busy service can get slow. There is booth seating in the front, tables in the back room and dining al fresco in the front - perfect for a summer day.
Definitely recommended if looking to grab a bite and a beer. -
Review from Maureen R.
Durham, NC
6/9/2011
Dear The Federal,
I love you. From your sunny patio, your dark interior, your surprisingly classy back room-- though I remember when it was not so!-- I could spend all evening cozied up in any part of you. And your food, your specials menu! Delights me every time. I fondly remember your falafel. I return often to your grilled cheese. Do you still have warm nuts? I miss those warm nuts. And as for the beer, let's keep that just between you and me.
Love,
Maureen
