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Nestled in the vibrant heart of Durham, NC, Monuts is a café gem that brilliantly blends the warmth of a breakfast spot with the casual charm of a sandwich shop. Perfect for early risers and midday cravings alike, Monuts offers an inspired menu centered around elevated comfort food with a creative twist that truly delights the senses.
The moment you step inside Monuts, the inviting aroma of freshly baked doughnuts and brewed coffee fills the air, promising a comforting yet exciting culinary experience. Their renowned doughnuts are a must-try: from the richly glazed varieties to inventive seasonal creations like the cozy Pumpkin Chai Donut, each bite reveals a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that’s both nostalgic and novel. Equally compelling is their salted caramel latte—a velvety, slightly salty-sweet drink that complements their pastry offerings perfectly.
Beyond sweets, Monuts shines with hearty, thoughtfully crafted savory dishes. The Chicken and Pickle Biscuit boasts crispy fried chicken layered with ranch, tangy bread and butter pickles, and chili-infused honey, creating a symphony of contrasting flavors and textures that keep your taste buds engaged. For a sophisticated twist on breakfast, the Turkish Eggs and Avocado Focaccia dazzles with za’atar butter, lemongarlic yogurt, and honey harissa kale, all beautifully balanced over a fried hard egg—a dish both nourishing and excitingly complex. Fans of vibrant and fresh combinations will find the Lox of Love toasted bagel irresistible, served with house-cured gravlax, cream cheese, and all the classic accompaniments for a luxurious bite.
The atmosphere at Monuts vibrates with energy and friendliness. Locals and visitors alike appreciate the attentive staff, who are known for their warm and welcoming service. While the inside seating can get busy, especially on weekends or during colder months, the outdoor shaded area offers a perfect refuge to savor your meal and sip your coffee in a relaxed setting. Regular patrons often mention the seasonal menus and special additions that keep the experience fresh and exciting.
Monuts thoughtfully rounds out its menu with an array of satisfying sides—from the creamy housemade soups and fresh fruit salads to indulgent maple sriracha home fries and perfectly cooked farm eggs. Whether you’re craving a light bite or a full brunch spread, this café’s menu offers balance and variety crafted with care.
With thoughtful touches like a pickup window that made quick lunch breaks effortless during the pandemic, Monuts continues to demonstrate a genuine commitment to customer convenience and community connection. The genuine passion of the owners shines through in everything from their high-quality ingredients to their fair treatment of staff, creating a welcoming environment that customers return to again and again.
In sum, Monuts is not just a destination for food; it is a celebration of flavor, comfort, and creativity. Whether you come for their legendary doughnuts, the bold seasonal specials, or the cozy café vibe, this Durham treasure promises to brighten your day with every delicious bite.
I really like the food. The staff were friendly and drinks were amazing. Wish there was more inside seating during the winter as it gets pretty busy and there’s not too many places to sit. Also wish they had a bigger menu as I loved the food and I would love to have more options.
I LOVE this place and that love has only grown since the pandemic, when Monuts added a pickup door and made it possible for me to zip in and out for orders during lunch breaks at work. I love their amazing food and the fun seasonal options. (That Kale, Apple, Farro & Hazelnut salad is my favorite salad in the whole world. And you have to try to Fall Squealer if you haven't yet, holy cow.) I love that they pay their folks a living wage and don't do tips. The current national tipping environment is confusing and frustrating and it honestly feels like a load off to not even have to think about it. I love that they always have creative baked goods on offer. (Shout out to the Monuts bakers, y'all are amazing!) And their online ordering system is easy to use. Just a top notch restaurant, my favorite in the Triangle.
I've been going to Monuts for years and it never disappoints! Pastries are super varied and the meal food is excellent. I'm partial to the Turkish Eggs and Avocado sandwich, but I've never had anything I didn't like. The seasonal menu is phenomenal. It does get pretty busy on the weekends, but it comes in waves. Once the Duke students are out of town it gets a lot easier. Make sure to order BEFORE sitting down!!!!
I enjoyed my pumpkin latte and donut. My friend also enjoyed her coffee. There is a nice sitting area that is shaded and has plenty of sitting. The inside is spacious, but it’s pretty noisy. The staff were very friendly. I love that the owners pay their workers a livable wage.
Had brunch here on a Saturday morning after hearing a lot of good reviews. I had the All You Avo Wanted Toast, two types of donuts and a Chai latte. The chai was great but the food and donuts were just okay. The service was good but the person at the counter could be more friendly and smiling. My fav part was definitely the tables outside in the shade.
The staff was so welcoming and the establishment is clean and bright. We ordered the chocolate milk, chai chocolate donut, a mocha latte and the rocket fuel burrito. The food is tasty and fresh. Definitely a great breakfast spot!
The line is long, and there is a reason. The food and environment are both great. We were excited to see that they pay their employees a living wage of $17/hr.