Welcome to Counting House
Counting House, located at 111 Corcoran St, Durham, NC, offers an upscale yet welcoming dining experience that beautifully marries creativity with local flavors. Nestled within the 21c hotel, its ambiance is reminiscent of the intimate setting depicted in "The Bear," boasting quiet, dimly lit spaces perfect for savoring culinary delights. Guests rave about signature dishes like Japanese milk bread and mushroom risotto, highlighting their emphasis on pure, flavorful ingredients without heavy seasoning. Dessert lovers will delight in treats like the pineapple upside-down cake. Whether for brunch or dinner, Counting House promises excellent service and an inviting atmosphere that turns dining into a memorable occasion.
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111 Corcoran St, Durham, NC 27701, United States Hotline: +1 919-956-6760
Welcome to Counting House, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Durham, North Carolina. Located at 111 Corcoran St, this restaurant offers an upscale yet unpretentious dining experience, breaking the mold of traditional chain eateries. Here, every meal is crafted with love and attentiveness, allowing the natural flavors of each ingredient to shine through.
From the very first bite, you'll notice the dedication that goes into every dish. Marlyn, a first-time visitor, was captivated by the thoughtful courses she enjoyed, which included a delightful Japanese milk bread paired with a refreshing piña colada, a creamy mushroom risotto bursting with umami, and a perfectly executed pineapple upside-down cake that stood tall on its own merit. This encapsulates what Counting House is all about—highlighting the ingredients without an overload of salt or sugar.
The atmosphere enhances this creative culinary journey. The ambiance is reminiscent of the cozy yet vibrant settings seen in shows like *The Bear*, encouraging a sense of connection among diners and staff alike. Whether you're dining for a special occasion or enjoying a casual brunch, the warm, inviting environment makes you feel right at home.
Guests like David Chang have praised Counting House for its delicious food and specialty cocktails, ideal for both business dinners and social gatherings. The restaurant even partners with the 21c Hotel, ensuring convenient access for those looking to explore Durham's vibrant arts scene. Aresa Hairston describes it perfectly as her favorite go-to spot for a relaxed atmosphere, where the dishes not only taste amazing but also radiate good energy.
This place is more than just a meal; it’s an experience to savor. Whether indulging in their rich cavatelli made with black squid ink pasta or enjoying a mouth-watering burger during brunch, every dish tells a story. The attentive waitstaff, like Lauren Tanman experienced, go above and beyond to ensure your evening is memorable, often creating personalized cocktails based on a quick chat.
In summary, Counting House stands out not only for its exceptional food but also for the care and attention that permeates every aspect of the dining experience. It’s a place where flavors mingle with art, making it a must-visit when you’re in Durham. Come and explore the culinary vision that is capturing the hearts and palates of many. Your taste buds will thank you.
I was visiting Durham for the first time and wanted local experiences, including culinary. Counting House does not disappoint! I didn't take pictures because I wanted to be in the moment. This place is not a chain experience and is also not pretentious. What it is, isan upscale creative experience. I had 3 couses: Japanese milk bread and pina colada, mushroom risotto, and pineapple upside down cake. You can actually taste the ingredients - no overload of salt and sugar to mask the flavor profiles. This is the test: the pineapple upside down cake was a good cake even without the fruit o top. The risotto was creamy and even if you don't like mushrooms, try it! The ambience was everything! Quiet, dim lighting, and basically if you've seen The Bear on Hulu, this is similar to the type of restaurant Carmy and his team were trying to build. Everyone is on board and I can't wait until they get a star because this place absolutely is doing the work to get one.
Came here for a business dinner. Food is delicious, a bit hard to find as it's inside the 21c hotel. Drinks are tasty as well.
This was our first visit and we were a party of four. The food was very, very good and the service was excellent also. We had Japanese milk bread and.Goujon For appetizers, two of us had the Cavatelli, One of us had the pan chicken and the other, the pan roasted bone in pork chops. All of them are excellent. I would only add that I wish the descriptions of the dishes were more complete with translations on some of the names. I realize that asking the waiter is appropriate and they like to describe them, but it’s easier to choose when you see it in writing. For example, it would’ve been nice to know that the cavatelli was black and made with black squid ink pasta. A very enjoyable dinner and we will return.
The food was great, and it is so close to the theater that it is a perfect combination. The staff is also aware of their proximity and guests, so they make every effort to get you the service you deserve while getting you to the theater in time.
Counting House is my favorite go to place for yummy food, relaxed environment and a no rush feel. The art gallery vibe is a bonus, the waiters and waitresses are inviting and it's a place where I love to go to relax, eat and drink. Love the pink penguin, such a vibe and feels like it brings good energy. The pound cake was so freaking good, honestly, all of the desserts were great. The chicken finger things were awesome, they've been stepping up their game and it's paying off.
Amazing food, very attentive wait staff who made me a special martini based on a quick conversation.
This is my go to brunch spot when we have visitors in town, I have never had a bad meal, the staff is always friendly.
Had Mother’s Day brunch there with the family. The pancakes were amazing and so was the burger. I got the smoked salmon to go along with my French omelet and both were so good!