DESCRIPTION
Welcome to the wondrous world of Cosmic Cantina, a hidden gem perched atop Perry Street in Durham, North Carolina. From the moment you ascend the stairs to its rustic, vibrant atmosphere, you know you are in for an extraordinary culinary experience. This burrito restaurant is not just a place to grab a quick meal; it’s an out-of-this-world destination for anyone who craves authentic Mexican cuisine.
As you enter, the fun, interplanetary decor beckons you while the air fills with mouthwatering aromas that tantalize the senses. The colorful menu, adorned with playful illustrations of planets and an alien mascot, teases the eye and sets the stage for a delightful dining adventure. Here, the burritos are nothing short of celestial masterpieces, skillfully wrapped in foil and filled to the brim with a medley of fresh ingredients that promise satisfaction in every bite.
Cosmic Cantina offers a delightful array of options, from deluxe chicken and steak burritos to scrumptious vegan and vegetarian choices. Diners rave about the portion sizes, mentioning that the "deluxe" is already a feast, making the "grande" a curiosity worth investigating. Each burrito is crafted with care; seasoned pinto beans, fluffy rice, and tender meats marry in perfect harmony, creating a flavor profile that lingers long after your last bite. The vibrant salsa and creamy guacamole are the cherry on top of this incredible meal.
One of the restaurant's unique charms is its ability to cater to late-night cravings, staying open until 4 a.m. This has made it an indispensable haven for students and night owls in the bustling food scene of Durham. The atmosphere is welcoming yet cozy, with bistro chairs and decorative tiles that provide a comfortable setting for patrons to enjoy their meals.
The reviews from patrons, like Aaron Ghering, highlight the way Cosmic Cantina has set a new standard for burritos, making it hard for others to compete. Whether you’re coming for a late-night snack or a fulfilling meal, you will find yourself captivated by the flavors and the friendly service. Shon Joyner, another devotee, emphasizes the kindness shown by the staff, proving that Cosmic Cantina is as much about community as it is about cuisine.
If you find yourself in Durham, let Cosmic Cantina be your guilty pleasure. Indulge in a burrito that may very well ruin you for all others. This is not just a meal; it is a journey through flavors that truly live up to the claim of serving “the best Mexican food on the planet.” Get ready to embark on a dining experience that feels both familiar and delightfully galactic.
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible toilet Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seatingService options
Outdoor seating Offers delivery Offers takeaway Serves dine-inHighlights
Fast servicePopular for
Popular for lunch Popular for dinner Good for solo diningOfferings
Serves alcohol Serves beer Serves cocktails Serves comfort food Serves healthy options Serves late-night food Serves organic dishes Quick bite Serves spirits Serves vegan dishes Serves vegetarian dishesDining options
Serves lunch Serves dinner SeatingAmenities
ToiletAtmosphere
Casual Cosy TrendyCrowd
Good for groups Popular with tourists Popular with university studentsPlanning
Doesn't accept reservationsPayments
Accepts credit cards Accepts debit cards Accepts NFC mobile payments Credit cardsChildren
Good for kids High chairs availableParking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Somewhat difficult to find a spaceMeals And DrInks
36.- Deluxe Veggie Chimichanga
Rice, Black beans, (cheese, salsa, sour cream, guac on the side)
36.- Deluxe Veggie Chimichanga
Rice, Black beans, (cheese, salsa, sour cream, guac on the side)
21.- Chicken Nachos
cheese, black beans, salsa
21.- Chicken Nachos
cheese, black beans, salsa
202.- Constance Chicken Burrito
cheese, rice, sour cream
OpenIng Hours
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Monday
11:00 AM - 4:00 AM -
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 AM -
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 AM -
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 AM -
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 AM -
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 AM -
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 AM
LOCATION
Reviews
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Aaron Ghering
7 months agoI had the pleasure of visiting Cosmic Cantina in Durham on the recommendation of a friend. I am from SoCal originally so I am always down for good Mexican food! The burritos here basically ruined me for any other joint! This place is aptly named because it is out of this world! I had a deluxe chicken and deluxe steak burrito and they were both huge and amazing. If the deluxe was this big, I would love to see the grande. Both burritos had a great balance of ingredients; I couldn’t put them down! They also offer a great complement of vegan and vegetarian choices! In addition to the food, I also love the rustic hole-in-the-wall charm of this somewhat hidden gem. I recommend Cosmic Cantina to anyone who wants an exceptional burrito!
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Bridget Jackson
7 months agoThe food was great, especially for late night. Service was great, but make sure you check that receipt because I was about to put cash in the tip jar before I noticed that they had already charged me 5.15 for a tip without saying anything or posting about automatic tips charges (definitely would've given them extra cash but I would also like to be notified of what I am being charged..so I decided against it for that reason) My family and friends will definitely be back next time we're in town. The outside patio is cute, too
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Jeremy Edmunds
7 months agoIn Durham's bustling food scene, atop an unassuming staircase on Perry Street, sits Cosmic Cantina, where interplanetary decor meets earthbound Mexican cuisine that defies both gravity and expectations, especially after midnight. The establishment's vibrant menu board, adorned with planets, stars, and an alien mascot clutching fresh produce, establishes a playful tone that belies the seriousness with which they approach their craft. While the proclamation of serving "the best Mexican food on the planet" might seem hyperbolic, it's a claim the kitchen backs with surprising conviction. The burrito – their flagship offering – arrives swaddled in foil like a tiny spacecraft. Unwrapped, it reveals a thoughtfully constructed interior: properly seasoned pinto beans, fluffy rice, and meats prepared with unexpected care. At under 14, it delivers sustenance without astronomical pricing, making it a cornerstone of Durham's late-night dining cosmos. The dining room's ambiance marries utilitarian charm with cosmic whimsy. Exposed brick walls meet wooden ceiling panels while bistro chairs with blue-and-white woven seats invite patrons to linger. Decorative Mexican tiles line the counter, creating an eclectic backdrop for the restaurant's late-night theater. Open until 4 a.m., Cosmic Cantina cultivates a devoted following among students and night owls. The establishment's stubborn inaccessibility – visible in the staircase one must climb to enter – may limit its clientele but enhances its cult status. This is democratic dining with a celestial twist, where burritos transcend their humble ingredients to become something greater than the sum of their parts. Whether Cosmic Cantina truly serves the best Mexican food in the universe remains debatable, but in Durham's nocturnal firmament, it shines with peculiar, persistent brightness, a reliable beacon for the hungry wanderer seeking sustenance or simply late night carbs under the stars.
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Shon Joyner
7 months agoI live in Greenville, NC and I am battling Breast Cancer. I go to the doctors in Durham, NC. Whenever, I come to Cosmic Cantina I am always greeted with kindness. The food is always Amazing. I would rate this restaurant a 10/10. I wish there was one in Greenville, NC or at least closer than Durham. I would come more often. I love the freshness of the food and the chips are made there fresh so they are always fresh also. If you want authentic Mexican food this is the place to go. You will not be disappointed.
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Matthew Weidner
7 months agoVery cool burrito joint! Not being a local this was a little hard to find. Thanks to other reviewers showing the stairs. The door is street level and then immediate stairs up tp the second floor. The business upstairs and to the right. In town for work and stumbled upon this place being near my hotel. So glad I stopped. I'm from South Chicago so latin food is no stranger to me. I travel a LOT for work and always get Mexican once a week wherever I'm at. THIS IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST CHICKEN BURRITO I HAVE EVER HAD! You can smell the place while you're walking up the stairs. Upon entering you're hit with a wave of delicious aromas. They had so many choices it was difficult to choose. I ultimately choose the deluxe chicken burrito. Every item in this thing was perfect. Salsa and guacamole were incredible. I'm here for a week and am planning on stopping twice more before I leave. It's THAT good.
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Brenda M
7 months agoWhen you first walk in it seems sketchy for the graffiti on the walls. It is part of the theme as it’s name is cantina. Once you step in the restaurant is really cool. Indoor and outdoor seating. Terrace is open and fresh air. We visited at night so it was cool. Staff was extremely friendly and smiling. Margarita was ready in no time before we sat after ordering. They ask for your name to call you after ordering over the counter. I just came back from Mexico couple of days ago and taste of this place is so so good and very close to be authentic.
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BRIAN MASSENGILL
7 months agoAlways great. My favorite Dive Bar in the word. Lines always long so be patient. With all due respect, it's such a cool "Dukie Bar"! *Update-over the years they have done some needed remodeling and updating. One thing that is needed is a dedicated pickup area for call ahead/online orders. Sometimes the line is long and it is not easy to pass everyone to pick up your Togo/online order. We will definitely come back.
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Regi Taylor
7 months agoI've had this restaurant on my list of places to visit for months and finally got by there. It was initially difficult to locate due to the small sign that hangs over the entrance door. Once located, I entered and realized I had to go upstairs to a second floor. The menu selections are many, and it was difficult to make a decision. I finally made a choice for a to-go burrito. It was ready in minutes, and I was eager to taste my selection, which was the chorizo burrito. Let's just say that there was so much flavor in that sandwich that it was driving my taste buds wild! This will definitely be my place for burritos in the future. The customer service was fast and excellent. Big plus is the prices are very reasonable.
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