Twinnie's Cafe & American Restaurant in Durham's Science Drive District

Inside Twinnie's

Twinnie's sits comfortably at the intersection of a café and casual American restaurant, making it a versatile spot right near Duke University's engineering campus. This is not just a quick coffee stop—it’s the kind of place where students, faculty, and local professionals come to settle in for a laid-back lunch or to share a meal with friends, especially when the weather invites outdoor seating.

The atmosphere strikes a balance between campus energy and a relaxed neighborhood vibe. Inside, the seating is ample with a subtle hum of conversation framed by the backdrop of Science Drive’s steady pace. Outside, diners can enjoy views of Duke’s verdant campus, hospitals, and science labs—an inviting green space that complements the casual dining experience.

Twinnie's is particularly suited for midday gatherings or casual team lunches. The menu leans toward approachable American classics and café-style entrées, often featuring daily specials that shake up the routine. While sandwiches like the chicken focaccia draw regulars back, there’s evidence that the kitchen serves up thoughtful twists, such as a chicken cordon bleu paired with flavorful sauces, suggesting the kitchen often experiments beyond basic fare.

The staff play a key role in the vibe here—friendly and attentive, they create a welcoming environment that locals appreciate. Whether you’re grabbing a quick panini between classes, savoring a daily special over coffee with colleagues, or ordering catering for a campus event, the team adapts smoothly, contributing to a consistent experience.

Best times to visit are during lunch hours when the place buzzes, though the line rarely feels daunting thanks to swift service. If you’re looking for a convenience-oriented spot with an inviting atmosphere and solid café-restaurant hybrid offerings, Twinnie's fits naturally into the rhythm of Durham’s science-driven neighborhood without the rush or pretense of high-end dining.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Great coffee

Great tea selection

Popular for

Breakfast

Lunch

Solo dining

What they serve

Coffee

Comfort food

Organic dishes

Prepared foods

Quick bite

Small plates

Vegan options

Vegetarian options

Best for

Breakfast

Lunch

Dessert

Seating

Table service

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car park

Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Wheelchair-accessible seating

Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Parking

Free of charge street parking

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

08:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 02:30 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

What Locals & Travelers Say

90 Reviews

Shelley Willis Queen

31 Dec 2025

The staff here is fantastic! Always so pleasant and helpful :-) But today... today was by far my best experience: Chef Joe made chicken cordon bleu with pottanesca sauce over rice and it was to die for!!! Thanks for recommending, Jack! You guys do an amazing job and I'm so thankful you're here (though my waistline isn't so happy about it ;-)!

Bryan Howell

13 Nov 2025

A hidden gem near Duke's engineering campus. Paninis, daily specials, and a variety of desserts and coffee make this cafe a nice spot to enjoy a lunch with colleagues and friends, both inside and out. Indoors, you'll find plenty of seating with a nice ambience of the 9-5 in the engineering campus, and outside, you see a beautiful verdant view of Duke's Campus near the hospitals and science labs. Look for Jack. He keeps the place running smoothly and is wonderful to speak to.

Christine Z

05 Nov 2025

I love the sandwiches here. The chicken focaccia is amazing and their specials are usually very good. There's generally a wait during lunch but the line still moves pretty fast.

Nick Bottenus

29 Sep 2025

Jack and his team run a great little sandwich shop with a big drink menu and a great set of daily specials to add a little variety. From a quick grab and go lunch to on-campus catering needs, they have always been happy to accommodate and are one of the most consistent and convenient eateries on campus.

Natalie Chen

23 Sep 2025

Twinnie’s has quickly become one of my favorite eateries at Duke! I come here at least once a week and it is always a pleasure to see the team. Special shout out to Jack who never fails to make my day! He is so kind, fun to chat with, and full of great recommendations. The food is top notch (cafe style entrées and drinks); seriously everything here is delicious. I’d recommend trying the daily specials or the classic Chicken Pita. Also, the seasonal pumpkin latte is back! I just drank it for the first time today and it won’t be my last. Check out Twinnie’s for good food and good vibes :)

Jay Dalton

14 Sep 2025

Over the past 12 years I would venture to say that no one has eaten at Twinnies more often than me. The food is always great. The service is always great. Jack, the manager, is always friendly. It's awesome.

Twinnie's

Inside Twinnie's

Highlights & Local Essentials

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

What Locals & Travelers Say

90 Reviews

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