Athletic-Minded Traveler

This friendly and casual cafe has wood tables and floors, local artwork on display and a wood beamed ceiling. It's not the decor you'll come for but a menu rich in Latin American cuisine. When the weather is nice, there is a small patio for outdoor dining.

We try to recommend a diner in every city because they typically offer a big menu, affordable prices, and breakfast all day! At downtown Durham's Elmo's you'll find an array of hearty eats as well as plenty of options for lighter fare. The ambiance is more café-cool than retro diner.

Emphasizing organic and seasonal ingredients, Four Square strives to offer a menu that lets the flavor of the food speak for itself. The menu changes monthly and while the preparation appear a bit heavier, we think the philosophy and commitment to freshness deserve a go.

Urban, funky and cool describe this warehouse district space with exposed beams, local art, black and white floor tiles and a bold red wall. The tapas menu will please those who like to nibble and taste but may turn off big eaters. There is also an outdoor patio.

Quick, inexpensive food that allows eaters to customize and select healthy ingredients. Jason's motto is "fresh from the start" and they pride themselves in a trans fat free menu, high quality ingredients and select organic produce.

The duo behind Piper's in the Park opened this bright and airy café one half mile from Duke Hospital in the Erwin Terrace Building. The menu covers all the café basics with plenty of protein and carb options. The setting is cheerful and modern with lots of color and cool lighting fixtures.

Get your bbq on at this Durham favorite. Look for the big sign atop the diner-type building with parking spaces right in front. Inside there is a big chalkboard listing all the eat possibilities. Wooden tables and chairs and a long wood bar give it a casual, southern vibe.

This is a huge market with over 225,000 square feed of covered, climate controlled, all season retail and wholesale spaces. Along with fresh fruit and veggies, candy, arts and crafts, and gardening essentials, there are a number of eating options nearby.

Located in north downtown's Glenwood District, this casual and cool sushi spot features live music and late night sushi specials. Along with the contemporary main dining area, there is also a more intimate bar/lounge area.

First started in Jacksonville, this pizza joint now has over multiple locations in 3 states. It's casual and upbeat; and the "order at the counter" system typically means you have your food within 10 minutes. The Loop offers a lot more than pizza.

This vegetarian Indian restaurant offers an extensive menu of curries, breads, dosa and other southern Indian cuisine. It's located in what is called "Little India" or "the ethnic village". The lunchtime buffet is an economic option and can be quite healthy with the right selections.

Don't let the "grocery" part fool you. This Triangle eatery is Southern inspired and offers a mostly comfort food menu, but there are still fresh and sensible options for those looking to keep it light. In fact the Chef emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients.

Weaver's is a natural food and health market with numerous eating options. Along with the coffee bar, hot food bar, salad bar and prepared food case, the market also stocks grocery basics, health and wellness items, fresh produce, meats and more.

If you enjoy eating at restaurants that emphasize organic, locally grown ingredients and whole foods, Zely & Ritz hits the mark with its creative and gourmet fare. The restaurant maintains its own organic farm and the seasonal menu is Mediterranean inspired.