Dame's Chicken & Waffles

Reviews

• BV

  Bayou Vixen

  4 days ago
  3.0
  Came from Charlotte for my birthday because I had heard all these wonderful things about Dame's. But to say, I was disappointed is an understatement. Downside: Our waffles were not hot nor crispy. Which as you can see, the strawberry and creme butter didn't even melt when I put it on top, out of that little paper container. Hot syrup was an up charge to our surprise. Which when we asked our server for some, our waitress says, "that's why we don't even offer it because it's an up charge". So we had to use the cold packets on the table. Smh Also, our cheese grits wasn't hot either, not even hot enough to melt the shredded cheese on top or the butter I had to ask for to put in my grits myself. Our server was very inattentive and always on the run from her tables. Coffee refills and additional creamers had to be asked for numerous times til the others at our table just stopped asking. We had to stop her mid, sprint from the table to pick up used plates/trash to make room for additional items/plates. And the collard greens were basic and flavorless. The cup was full of greens juice that it spilled over the table & we have to wave her down again for additional napkins. Upside: My fried catfish & strawberry mimosa was BANGINNNN‼️‼️‼️ But idk why they used crushed ice in a mimosa? But it was good. The Mac and cheese was tasty & came out hot with steam coming off it. Like every fried and baked food item should have. The fried chicken wings and chicken cutlets were good & hot and a nice portion size. Lastly, the atmosphere was loud but spacious. The Black art/photography on the walls and in the restrooms was beautiful. Honorable mention: The security guard in the parking lot was very nice and helpful. He was better and more attentive than our server. But thanks for having free parking right next to the restaurant. That's awesome! So with all this being said, I've finally been to Dame's 🤷🏾‍♀️ but doubt I'll ever be back. However, keep in mind if reading this review: everybody has a bad day and maybe the back of the house-kitchen staff was short. Idk but first impressions are everlasting. So that's that.
• JW

  Jennifer Williams

  Feb 14, 2026
  1.0
  We’ve been to Dames in Cary and loved it each time. We decided to try the new location in Durham because we were close by. Bad decision! We arrived at 720 and waited at the door to be seated and nobody came. So we seated ourselves. We sat and wait about 15 mins before a guy realized we had not been helped and brought us menus over. We got and drinks and ordered. We did not receive our food until damn near closing time and there one only 2 other tables inside the restaurant. While waiting for our food, we did not get an update on what was taking so long, nor did we get an offer to to refill our drinks. We had to literally get the ppl at the other table to get her attention to bring us refills. When the food finally came out, we had no silverware. A guest that was with us went behind the host stand and got us all silverware. The chicken was seasoned nicely but the Mac and cheese was disgusting and the mean collard green was collard green soup. I literally had 5 collard leaves, a ton of onions and filled with collard juice. This was by far the worst experience I’ve ever had a Dames. And on top of that. We had to pay a mandortary 20% gratuity for our party of 4 adults and 4 kids. I also notice some items were marked up a 1 on the receipt than the menu had it listed for. The 8 wings are listed as 12 on the menu and we were charged 13 plus 1 dollar for a tiny condiment container of ranch. Horrible service and we will not be back.
• TC

  Tony Creech

  Feb 9, 2026
  2.0
  First time visitor, I ordered online yesterday and it was supposed to be ready at 1220. I arrive for pick up and I’m told it will probably be another 25-30 min. I left and came back in 45 min and my food still wasn’t ready. Good was good when I got it, service was horrible.
• JB

  Jim Burnetti

  Feb 8, 2026
  5.0
  First time customers on Saturday, Feb 7th. Can't believe we didn't try this Durham institution while our son was a Dookie completing his PhD - but a move to Dur'm made us see the light. The Panko breaded cutlet and the regular cutlet were both outstanding. The classic waffle was very good, and the sweet potato waffle out out of this world. The service great (and by the way, our server, Mr. Zuri is also my karate instructor at another great small business, Shaw's School of Karate ! Can vouch that the restaurant is food allergy friendly - Mr. Zuri assured us that there are no mixed pots or fryers - and my shellfish allergic wife will attest to it. We'll be back! Soon.
• AB

  Ashley Brown

  Feb 6, 2026
  5.0
  I'm from Richmond, VA. I first experienced Dame's in 2015 visiting NCA&T and that was my first time eating chicken and waffles. Let me tell you, I've searched high and low and haven't found anything that compares. I returned to the area in 2019 and my first stop was Dames. Here I am visiting the area again in 2026 and I absolutely had to stop at Dames. The quality is just as good as I remembered 11 years ago. Not only is the food good, but the people that work there are attentive and treat you like family. If I wasn't 5 hours away in Northern Virginia, you bet I'd be at Dames every other week!! If you're looking for good chicken and waffles, you better stop at Dames!!