Parker and Otis

Category:	Cafe
Address:	112 S Duke St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
Phone:	+1 919-683-3200
Site:	parkerandotis.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	7:30AM–7PM 7:30AM–7PM 7:30AM–7PM 7:30AM–7PM 7:30AM–7PM 7:30AM–7PM 10AM–3PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

John Morris

Cleanliness 5/5. Bathroom was kept spotless which was awesome in the 2 hours we spent there. Unisex bathrooms btw with their political stance posted on the insides of the doors. It was like others have said in the reviews, a very hipster-ish environment but not in a lazy way. Staff were actively cleaning, constantly. It was nice! Service 5/5. The guys and gals did a great job and took specific care making sure we got exactly what we ordered. My wife got the smoked salmon and capers with cream cheese bagel. It was incredible as was my BLT which by the way, they packed on the eggs I ordered as well. Price 5/5. Im a frugal guy, but the quality and freshness of the food are well worth the price. With two coffees, our FILLING breakfast was just under $20. Quality 5/5. Ive only been once, on a Saturday morning but the packed atmosphere was still calm enough to maintain a peaceful environment. Food isnt too expensive and is fairly priced. Cleanliness was constant and the staff displayed great attitudes. My wife and I will be moving to Durham soon and I look forward to eating here more often.

Rosella Age

Generally I like the turkey sandwich with mango chutney and a soy chai latte. But today I ordered a decaf white mocha, which tasted rather bland. When I went to let them know that I didnt like it, the baristas asked me what it tasted like, and sounded like they were trying to talk me out of not liking my coffee. As someone who has worked in the food and customer service industry for awhile, I know that its both good business and just plain easier to just apologize and offer to make the customer something else. But they didnt, so I asked if I could just have my regular soy chai, and when they didnt seem to eager, I said, "you dont seem to eager ... " and they said, "well, we will...." (but we dont want to). Somehow, I felt like the one who was sorry for them making my bad-tasting coffee. It was a strange exchange.

TriangleLocalista Kim A

Comfort food is at the core of Parker and Otis breakfast/lunch menus, with southern staples like a grilled pimento cheese sandwich (pimento cheese is available to take home in tubs - do it!), shrimp BLT and a peanut butter, bacon and banana panini (kids love this one). But theres more to this business than a counter-service restaurant. Theres a whole store inside, with a wide wine/beer selection, gourmet food section, a refrigerator case filled with products from local producers, a candy counter, sweet gifts/games/puzzles (which theyll put together in a cute basket for you) and a pretty awesome cook book selection too. I love going to P&O for Sunday brunch (as does the vast majority of Durham) and leisurely looking over whats new in the shop. Go for the food, but budget in some extra time to browse the shop.

Jerry McGrath

Parker and Otis has quickly become one of our favorite downtown Durham locations. It is one of the areas most versatile hotspots - come for an iced latte or a bite of dessert, or sit down at a table for a full-service lunch or dinner. The menu is robust and the service is exceptional - everyone seems to enjoy being there and so we always feel welcomed and appreciated. The food is great and the prices are extremely affordable - $7.50 or so gets you a large sandwich and a side. Try the Shrimp BLT - loaded with shrimp and perfectly toasted for just $8.50. Whether youre in a hurry and need your order To Go or want to sit out on the second-story patio and relax (or even bring your laptop and get some work done), Parker and Otis is the perfect place to do it all.

Ian Wallace

P&O has never let me down. Their food is amazing! Sandwiches are packed with flavor and the sides are worth having as a meal by themselves. The prices are great! Just remember to switch the regular side for their pesto pasta salad. I honestly couldnt even tell you what the regular side is its been so long. No. 26 is my go-to sandwich. The mango chutney on it gives it this great sweetness to compliment the turkey and onions. The shopping is great too. Next to Morgan Imports (right down the street), P&O is an amazing shop to find that perfect gift for someone, or to treat yourself. They have amazing art and local chocolates. Theres food, wine, cookbooks, kitchen gear and baby toys. Its the best!

Shannon R

I had the pleasure of having brunch at Parker and Otis with a colleague. In short, you HAVE to give this place a try! I have frequently recommended this place to friends and colleagues when discussions about great brunch locations come up. The layout of Parker and Otis reminds me of Fosters Market a bit, but the menu option are much better. I ordered the asparagus and black forest ham omelet with a biscuit and fruit. The omelet was so good I completely ignored the other items on my place! The service was also fantastic. I cant wait to visit again - hopefully very soon with coworkers who have yet to experience this great restaurant.

Christy Beam

Id seen good reviews for Parker & Otis online, so when I was downtown last week, I popped in to see if it was worth the fuss. Oh yes, and more! From the moment I walked in the front door, my senses were overwhelmed with smells, colors, pretty paper journals (yes, thats a sense!), sounds of happy people. I ordered the Black Forest ham and Swiss panini and upgraded to egg salad, oh, and I cant forget the cookie bar thing I grabbed at the last second. My tummy was happier than a woodpecker in a wood yard! I also somehow ended with leaving with some truffles, a pretty pen and an overwhelming urge hibernate.

Chris Richter

The eclectic sandwich menu makes for a nice alternative to your run-of-the-mill lunch locations. High-quality ingredients. Interesting combinations. And lots to browse while you wait (if youre getting it to go). Only been there for lunch, so I cant comment on breakfast. The only negatives . . . if youre getting it to go, the to-go operation is a little disorganized. And substitutions are expensive. Prefer something other than the cole slaw that comes with your sandwich? Its $2. Youd think they could come up with something they could switch it out for at the same cost.

Alexander Baldwin

I looked over the menu and #28 Peanut butter, Banana and Bacon on wheat with honey really stood out. I though to myself "It wouldnt be on the menu if it wasnt any good." so I figured Id try it. I also am quite partial to deviled eggs, so I ordered one of those and the soup of the day was tomato dill soup, which sounded awesome. Their tomato dill soup was the best I have ever had, but it was the least good thing I had ordered. If you are at all, even just a little bit, adventurous, order the #28. Its just awesome.

Richard McFall

I was hesitate to review this site for purely selfish reasons ( i like the short quick service lines). Parker & Otis is a hidden Durham gym that I look forward to enjoying on each visit. Outstanding healthy food & drink choices + great service + an amazing selection of beer, wine, snacks, salads, + great fresh bread with their farm fresh vegi sandwiches. Best to NOT checkout their dessert choices. BUT, this site info is just for you , do not tell others or the service lines will no longer be short & quick. OK!

A Private User

The food is pretty tasty, though not amazing. Not a fan of the coleslaw side that comes with every sandwich and the pasta salad is kinda boring. I do love their pumpkin bread in the bakery. The reason I come here regularly is the covered outdoor porch. THIS is what makes it possible to eat out with children. Of course, the candy and toys display inside makes it DIFFICULT to be in there with certain kids but if you get through that and its warm enough to eat outside, youre golden.