Elmo’s Diner

About

Diners, Breakfast & Brunch

Price Range : Under $10 ($)

  • star
    Yelp rating
    4 stars

Location

Adress: 776 9th St, Durham, NC 27705

Phone: (919) 416-3823

Work Hours

Mon 6:30 am-10:00 pm
Tue 6:30 am-10:00 pm
Wed 6:30 am-10:00 pm
Thu 6:30 am-10:00 pm
Fri 6:30 am-10:00 pm
Sat 6:30 am-10:00 pm
Sun 6:30 am-10:00 pm

Business info

  • turned_in_not
    Health Score
    A
  • turned_in_not
    Vegan Options
    Yes
  • list_alt
    Takes Reservations
    No
  • directions_car
    Delivery
    No
  • move_to_inbox
    Take-out
    Yes
  • credit_card
    Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • thumb_up
    Good For
    Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
  • local_parking
    Parking
    Street, Private Lot
  • directions_bike
    Bike Parking
    Yes
  • accessibility
    Good for Kids
    Yes
  • group
    Good for Groups
    Yes
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    Ambience
    Casual
  • volume_up
    Noise Level
    Average
  • local_bar
    Alcohol
    Beer & Wine Only
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    Good For Happy Hour
    No
  • transit_enterexit
    Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • wifi
    Wi-Fi
    No
  • tv
    Has TV
    Yes
  • turned_in_not
    Dogs Allowed
    No
  • turned_in_not
    Waiter Service
    Yes
  • fastfood
    Caters
    No

Reviews

  • Ted G.

    star star star star star 28 June 2026

    I was in the city for a meeting and decide to stop in for an early lunch.

    To my surprise they were located at the end of the busy street with ample parking, specifically for their establishment.  

    It looked a a comfortable location and upon entering the establishment I felt like I was stepping just slightly back in time.  The older building being as well kept as it was with the option of counter seating definitely made this diner stand out.  I sat in a warm and sunny portion of the dining room, next to the large open windows, it was very comfortable.  

    The staff were exceptionally friendly and very attentive to your needs.  I was not sure if they would be serving lunch prior to lunchtime, but took a chance and ordered a turkey burger with skin on mashed potatoes.  Although I was very tempted to try the pancakes, I was going to be sitting in a meeting and needed something lighter.  

    My food arrived shortly afterwards, prepared just as I asked and from what I could tell the turkey patty was definitely homemade.  the skin on mashed potatoes definitely had the appearance of being homemade and after tasting them I confirmed that to be true.  The entire meal was excellent, the potatoes tasted like something momma made, I added some extra butter and they were perfect.  The burger was seasoned very well, provided plenty of cheese and tasted great.  

    The price point for this establishment is excellent, you will not be disappointed by any means.  The dining area can get loud, depending on who else is sitting there of course but the group next to me echoed quite a bit throughout.  Still a great diner to visit.
    Cheers!

  • Viggy K.

    star star star star star 24 June 2026

    This place was a staple for me when I was in high school, and now that I'm back for graduate school in the area, I'm thrilled that I get to come back here regularly. The coziness and ambience at Elmo's makes it feel like a classic diner, and the wait is usually not too bad.

    The menu itself is comprehensive and there are usually good seasonal selections (like my favorite, pumpkin pancakes). The prices are super reasonable and the portions are also good, which really make Elmo's stand apart as a breakfast/brunch establishment. Can't wait to go back!

  • Jacki R.

    star star star star star 16 June 2026

    Wow, this was a very generous portion! We ordered the Biscuits and Gravy, it came with two eggs, the biscuit with sausage gravy , choice of breakfast meats (that sounds very English to me, or have I watched to much Downtown Abby?) and choice of a side. The side of home fries were just right, a little crisp to them, and the turkey sausage had such good flavor but not too sharp. The gravy was gooooood. I split it with my hubs and then took half of mine home to my sleeping daughter. I was still full. There is a coffee pot out in the waiting area if you need a caffeine kick while you wait. They add it to your bill at the end. Plenty of seating outside if you do have to wait. I will definitely come back. Service was good and the diner was clean. We parked on the street but there are additional parking options near the diner.

  • bill n.

    star star star star star 10 June 2026

    Delicious!  Local flavor, super service by Marcus, & INCREDIBLY fast out of the kitchen, even when busy!  The Egg Deal really is -- two perfectly cooked eggs, 3 strips of bacon, toast with jam, & grits or hash browns, for a little over $6.50! Coffee is just fabulous too! Blackberry cobbler is killer.  Definitely don't pass this place up!!

  • Jeffrey B.

    star star star star star 6 June 2026

    My family and I decided to try Elmo's on our family vacation to Raleigh, and we couldn't have made a better choice! I had the sweet potato pancakes, which were the best I have ever had. My wife had the pecan waffle, and my father had the vegetarian omelette, which they both gushed over. The service was good, as was the atmosphere. I highly recommend!

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