The Cosmic Cantina

Open View™

Business Summary  what's this?

The Cosmic Cantina in Durham is a four star Mexican restaurant. Here's a place to get good food. Know before you go: this place features outdoor dining. When you step inside the restaurant, you'll notice a romantic atmosphere. This restaurant is very affordable. This place is open late and good for groups. People who have eaten here found the food awesome.

User Reviews of The Cosmic Cantina

Yelp.com Review - by Mark K.

4.0 of 5 stars. This place introduced me to the San Francisco-style burrito and I loved it. Its a little different than what I'd consider a mexican burrito. Namely they have more rice, black beans and pico de gallo...
yelp.com - user review - 09/20/2009
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Oliver C.

3.0 of 5 stars. This place has dependable, decent burritos at reasonable prices. It has all the standard ingredients you expect from a burrito joint but nothing extra.You do however get to walk up the most rickety...
yelp.com - user review - 08/31/2009
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Ben S.

2.0 of 5 stars. To be honest, I don't understand all the hype. The burritos aren't that great, and you can get better tacos at Chubby's just down the street.I used to frequent this place as an undergrad for the bar...
yelp.com - user review - 08/30/2009
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Amanda T.

3.0 of 5 stars. It serves cheap burritos that hit to spot late night when nothing else is open.This seems random, but they have exceptionally fresh and crisp lettuce in their salads. Not something that I would...
yelp.com - user review - 08/11/2009
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Kevin D.

3.0 of 5 stars. Burritos are marginal at best. Rice has no flavor, there isn't enough cheese in the burritos, and the salsa is really bland. With that said, Cosmic Cantina does have a great feel to it and the...
yelp.com - user review - 07/27/2009
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by P. T.

3.0 of 5 stars. Cosmic is okay, but I don't get the hype. I guess it's a Dukie thing. The food reminds me a lot of the Baja Fresh chain. Don't expect greatness. The steak was overcooked and under-seasoned. There...
yelp.com - user review - 05/07/2009
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Angie P.

4.0 of 5 stars. Exactly the same as it was 5 years ago when I was a student! Yummy burritos and chips & salsa, fast, friendly service and an outside patio to enjoy the weather. The place itself is still old and...
yelp.com - user review - 04/21/2009
Full Review »

Condemn as a foreign policy gesture

The Cosmic Cantina is a sham, a travesty, an abomination and a crime against humanity. The restaurant (does it earn that title?) should be condemned as a gesture to our neighbors to the south. I've had some...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/06/2009
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Meaghan M.

4.0 of 5 stars. This place is kind of hidden off of Ninth St, but that really doesn't stop tons of people from being there all the time. I've been coming here for years and it's always been consistent. It's cheap,...
yelp.com - user review - 02/17/2009
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Nick L.

2.0 of 5 stars. Ok. There's nothing wrong with Cosmic, per se. Sure, it's filled with drunk Duke coeds at 3PM. Sure, it's a bit seedy, the music is loud and crappy, the margaritas are watery, and the door sticks...
yelp.com - user review - 01/27/2009
Full Review »

It is not just about the burittos by Jill D. at InsiderPages

Most people will talk about their burritos, but please do not ignore the rest of their menu. Burritos are great, but they have so much more to offer besides their giant burritos. I personally love their tacos...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/05/2009
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Nikki K.

4.0 of 5 stars. Let me begin by describing my initial experiences with Cosmic Cantina. It all started when I was an RN at Duke hospital working night shift. Every Friday night we would order delivery of Cosmic...
yelp.com - user review - 12/30/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Ben M.

5.0 of 5 stars. Sure, the building feels like it just might fall apart if you breathe too hard, but that doesn't stop The Cosmic Cantina from being one of the best stops out there. Period. Not for a burrito, not...
yelp.com - user review - 12/29/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Brad G.

5.0 of 5 stars. Okay, so I won't stray too much from most of the reviews here, but that's only because I LOVE Cosmic Cantina. I really can't think of one single thing I don't like about this place. Great prices for...
yelp.com - user review - 11/25/2008
Full Review »

It is cozmic

stays open super late so and the prices are great for the amount of food you...
urbanspoon.com - user review - 10/20/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Naomi R.

5.0 of 5 stars. until i was exposed to a mission burrito, nothing could compare to one from cosmic.the anticipation would build as we'd stumble up those many steps. the ever constant late night line was never a...
yelp.com - user review - 10/18/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Cristina D.

3.0 of 5 stars. So there was an on-going war between my friend Jonathan and I about which is better- Carrburritos (my fave) or Cosmic Cantina (his). We decided to have a dine off to determine which was best. We drove...
yelp.com - user review - 10/12/2008
Full Review »

No confusion. Cheap, tasty food. by Silas S. at InsiderPages

Cosmic Cantina, a little hole-in-the-wall above Perry St. in Durham, is one of those places you miss when you're not in town. It's in a studio-loft space on the second floor with a back deck in a quasi-urban...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/09/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Eric M.

5.0 of 5 stars. This place is a bit far from my usual stomping grounds, but when I can get here it's always worth it. They've got the best Burritos in the Triangle (Apologies to my Raleigh favorite Baja Burrito) and...
yelp.com - user review - 08/30/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Albert Y.

2.0 of 5 stars. Maybe it's because I'm not a Dukie but I just don't see the love for this place. The prices are not that cheap and the sizes are not that large. The burritos are okay but nothing special and there...
yelp.com - user review - 08/24/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Henry S.

4.0 of 5 stars. I love the Cosmic Cantina in Chapel Hill, and this one is a close runner-up for some of the best burritos in the area. The main disconnect for me is that this Cosmic Cantina doesn't stuff their...
yelp.com - user review - 08/09/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by PJ N.

5.0 of 5 stars. this is rightly an institution in durham. get their veggie chimichanga, the deep-fried guilt is worth it.
yelp.com - user review - 08/08/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Angela S.

5.0 of 5 stars. Really good cheap tofu burritos and delicious and strong margaritas. Plus, it's open late. They also offer shots of tequilas and other liquor, as well as sangrias. So you can get full and drunk, all...
yelp.com - user review - 07/23/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by James P.

5.0 of 5 stars. I moved away from Durham 3 years ago and I still haven't shaken the hold this place has over me. No other burrito has been able to measure up. For the love of all that's holy, go there if you can.
yelp.com - user review - 07/15/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by David L.

4.0 of 5 stars. I've been here more times than I can remember. My favorites are the burritos and chimichangas (deep-fried and covered with cheese and salsa). If you live burritos and are in the area, then you need...
yelp.com - user review - 06/23/2008
Full Review »

Huge Portions by Stephanie S. at InsiderPages

There are a few reasons why I really like Cosmic Cantina the portions are huge, the food is so so inexpensive and their open until like 3am on Saturday night.
citysearch.com - user review - 05/26/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Loren S.

5.0 of 5 stars. Okay, be forewarned: I will *attempt* to contain my joy while writing this review, but I probably won't be too successful!OH MY LORDY LORD COSMIC CANTINA IS AMAZING. With all due respect to the...
yelp.com - user review - 05/12/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Caroline Z.

4.0 of 5 stars. Before burrito chains like Moe's, Qdoba, and Salsaritas moved into the area, there was Cosmic Cantina. They serve up big, fat burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas, and more, at very reasonable prices...
yelp.com - user review - 05/03/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Sarah M.

3.0 of 5 stars. Maybe this place would've gotten 4 stars had I not been jonesing for Chipotle. But I am visiting my sister up here in Durham, and I said burrito, and she replied, Cosmic. The space is cool. It's...
yelp.com - user review - 03/25/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by krishna s.

4.0 of 5 stars. I love cosmic :) great quality food, cheap, and open muy late! My fave is the roasted veggie quesadilla. The burritos are good too! They stay together well and are stuffed perfectly every time....
yelp.com - user review - 03/06/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Benjamin B.

5.0 of 5 stars. The original Cosmic Cantina is fresh, cheap, and delicious. I generally stick with the burritos and chips with guac, but I imagine the whole menu is great. Here are some particulars:- They know how...
yelp.com - user review - 02/28/2008
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Clay F.

5.0 of 5 stars. Fresh and cheap. Any return to Durham necessitates a trip to Cosmic. Great post-barhopping 4th meal. Nice, though often crowded patio. My mouth is watering for Cosmic right now.
yelp.com - user review - 02/02/2008
Full Review »

Not what I expected by Karim _. at InsiderPages

So I heard the Cosmic Cantina had the best Mexican food in Chapel Hill. That is far from true. The food is average and service was far from what I expected. We got there and it took a while for the hostess to...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/23/2007
Full Review »

Cheap Eats by Kareema M. at InsiderPages

This is a great spot to get authentic mexican food at a cheap price. When I'm low on money I take my kids here. The portions are very hefty so it's easy to share. One can easily feed a family of 5 for under...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/12/2007
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Aparna B.

5.0 of 5 stars. cosmic burritos are definitely what i miss most about durham! :)i'm not sure what makes them so great since i don't think they're really that authentic, but you can get a lot of food for not a lot of...
yelp.com - user review - 11/14/2007
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Sarah S.

5.0 of 5 stars. I'm probably biased since I ate here approximately 537 times between '98 and '02, but this is the greatest burrito place in the entire world. Chimichangas, taco salads, quesadillas, burritos - all...
yelp.com - user review - 10/09/2007
Full Review »

Better than any chain in the Triangle!

Please don't listen to the reviewer who recommends two *chain* restaurants instead of this kooky, eclectic, awesome restaurant tucked away on 9th street. I can't think of a better place to grab a steak burrito...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/27/2007
Full Review »

Bland Mexican food, Watered down salsa

Bland, uninteresting flavors catered to an audience unaccustomed to real Mexican food. I grew up in New Mexico and Los Angeles, so I know Mexican food and this place leaves much to be desired. Aside from that,...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/11/2007
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by brady w.

4.0 of 5 stars. I would have starved for 2 years had it not been for the Cantina. Great burritos (hopefully the quality is holding up). I live in the Mission in SF (burrito capitol, USA) and still hold the Cantina...
yelp.com - user review - 09/09/2007
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Lisa M.

3.0 of 5 stars. Okay, I have to be fair and say that living close to the Mission in San Francisco for 15 years has probably spoiled me for Mexican food forever. That being said, the Cosmic Cantina is a fun place to...
yelp.com - user review - 08/31/2007
Full Review »

I'm missing why it's supposed to be so good

We went to Cosmic Cantina for the first time today. I expected it to be kind of a dump and it was, and that's not a "charming, fun" dump, just a plan, dark space, although it was late afternoon and desolate....
citysearch.com - user review - 05/21/2007
Full Review »

best burritos in NC

a Durham classic. not to be missed. I think the veggie burritos are the best. don't go for grande unless you're sharing with 3 people.
citysearch.com - user review - 04/13/2007
Full Review »

GREAT Food, but watch out for the flies

GREAT Food-- I recommend getting it to go because the building is a dump and the restaurant is a fly trap. Flies and all, it's still worth it.
citysearch.com - user review - 02/21/2007
Full Review »

FROM TJ ALL THE WAY TO DURHAM

THIS IS A VERY SIMPLE CANTINA, L- BACK. NO NEED TO GET ALL DRESSED UP. CASUAL APPLYS HERE. THE FOOD IS ALWAYS FRESH. I HAVE EATEN HERE AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES, AND NEVER ONCE HAVE I EVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED. THE...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/19/2006
Full Review »

Yummy burritos!

I've been to the Cosmic Cantina a couple of times now, and enjoyed my veggie burritos a lot each time! They even madethem without the tortilla for me the second time, in an effort to save a few calories. The...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/09/2006
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Tyler H.

3.0 of 5 stars. Hmm, I have to give only 3 stars.On the one hand, the burritos are pretty cheap for what you get.On the other hand, this isn't the best burrito out there...of course, given that Durham is nowhere...
yelp.com - user review - 10/05/2006
Full Review »

A Durham experience you can't miss

Cosmic Cantina turns out consistent delicous food at great prices. Combine that with a funky open mic Lounge, an outdoor patio, a few beers and some interesting conversation.
citysearch.com - user review - 09/08/2006
Full Review »

Amazing Burrito's, Fun Hangout

I absolutely love Cosmic Cantina whether it's 2pm or 3:30am. I used to take my parents and visiting friends there all the time and everyone has loved it. It does get crowded a peak hours so go for a later...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/31/2006
Full Review »

durham gem

cosmic has a suprisingly large mix of delicious, cheap food. the burritos are huge, the quesadeas gooey and wonderful, the nachos are loaded fabulously. my favorite are the salads- huge mixes of the grilled...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/13/2006
Full Review »

Bad Chips, too salty, no flavor to the buritos, BEWARE, IGNORE all previous reviews, trust me!

I know mexican food, lived for a year in mexico, eaten in los angeles, ny etc..., place located in the 2nd floor, slum, almost fell of the stairs (kidding), upon arrival place looks ugly, there was a long...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/24/2006
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Erik S.

2.0 of 5 stars. People seem to love Cosmic, so I was eager to try it, but it's nothing to write home about. The food quality is mediocre and the flavor isn't all that great, but at least it's cheap. It's certainly...
yelp.com - user review - 06/23/2006
Full Review »

Awesome late night grub

This is a favorite place for nearby college students to get awesome burritos, especially late at night. The hole-in-the-wall eatery serves up some awesome burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. Despite its shabby...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/30/2006
Full Review »

Classic Durham Hotspot

Cosmic Cantina is a classic hotspot of Durham. Cosmic is located in the second story of a building off of 9th street. It might be hard to find, but once you discover it you will be back time and again...
judysbook.com - user review - 04/11/2006
Full Review »

Unremarkable Mexican

I know, I know, some people love Cosmic Cantina, but to me the food is sub-par. The first few times I ate here I thought it was good, but after eating world-class burritos at Carrburritos, Cosmic can...
judysbook.com - user review - 04/09/2006
Full Review »

Super good, and totally safe!

I really enjoy CC, not for authentic Mexican food but for quality, filling meals. The prep is simple but tasty and FAST! As far as the security of the Perry St location I can safely say that as a 31 yr old...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/24/2006
Full Review »

Don't be afraid of it's appearance!

It looks like a grubby hole-in-the-wall, but this is the best place to eat cheap in town. Delicious food, friendly service, and great prices. I eat here at least once a week!
citysearch.com - user review - 03/24/2006
Full Review »

good but beware of food poisoning

Cosmic Cantina's burritos are pretty delicious, not to mention that they're a quick and convenient meal. The place is a little dingy, though maybe that's part of the charm. The location is very conven...
judysbook.com - user review - 03/17/2006
Full Review »

Giant Chicken delicious!

While the stairs are a bit narrow and highly pitched, the climb is worth it for the Giant Chicken alone. I occassionally get one at noon on Friday and I have lunches through the weekend! Yummy with some salsa...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/17/2006
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Laural B.

5.0 of 5 stars. I lived on these Burritos my junior year of college. The cantina is fun, too.
yelp.com - user review - 02/17/2006
Full Review »

Yelp.com Review - by Zac M.

4.0 of 5 stars. Best Burritos in this area!This place is a hole, but definitely a hidden treasure. You almost have to be a local just to find the place as it's up a steep stairwell next to a dance studio in the...
yelp.com - user review - 01/24/2006
Full Review »

Sliding Downhill?

I'm sad to even write this, but over the past several months, I've noticed the service at Cosmic Cantina going down, down, down. There is one cashier who consistently gets my order wrong--it'd probably be...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/09/2005
Full Review »

Excellent!!

Cosmic Cantina is an absolute stable of UNC and Duke students alike, as well as many others from Durham and Chapel Hill. Cosmic is known for eats quick service and cheap and plentiful food. Both locat...
judysbook.com - user review - 08/16/2005
Full Review »

User review by aethelthryth

Is it a hole in the wall (at either location)? Yes. But you get the best food. (And 9th Street is perfectly safe, even at night.) I've been a Cosmic addict for the last 7 years and you cannot beat it for...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/15/2005
Full Review »

Incredible, delicious, CHEAP!

Up the stairs and to the right... what a wonderfully hidden oasis. The burritos are incredible and oh-so-cheap! Be sure to ask for the green sauce--inside your burrito. The green sauce melds nicely with the...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/27/2005
Full Review »

the BEST

Although I'm partial to the Chapel Hill location, I absolutely LOVE cosmic cantina. The food is awesome and the prices are incredible. It's the perfect spot for late night eating or for fast food that won't...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/20/2004
Full Review »

Please come to Raleigh!

No Cantina in Raleigh? I miss you, $4 grilled vegetable burrito! I have to settle for Qdoba now.
citysearch.com - user review - 02/04/2003
Full Review »

My savior...

I know I've spent many a night at Cantina. There's something about 2:37AM that makes me crave a giant steak chimichanga, and they it's so big, I can just skip breakfast!
citysearch.com - user review - 01/11/2003
Full Review »

the best ever

this is a very good pace to eat and the best time to go is at lunch time when the staff is friendly and is really quick
citysearch.com - user review - 12/24/2002
Full Review »

Best Late Food Around

After moving from any city, there is always that unique food-joint that you can't duplicate in the new locale. For me, it will be CC. (I even have it on my speed dial.) I don't compare it to true mexican...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/13/2002
Full Review »

Good Gringo Mex

This is a good place for a quick mexi-fix and a Pacifico in the evening. However, if you have ever enjoyed Mexican food intended for Mexicans - not soft-palated gringos - the food here is pretty dull in...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/23/2002
Full Review »

2 yuppie

not worth the money - location is unsafe - need to go armed to the hilt!!!
citysearch.com - user review - 10/03/2002
Full Review »

Biggest Burrittos Ever!

This was and still is one of the best late night spots to get food. Especially after the club, no long waits like at the waffle house. It's not very pretty but at night when you hungry, who cares! The...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/28/2002
Full Review »

Best Mexican Food Anywhere

Cantina is the best restaurant anywhere for big, healthy, tasty, cheap burritos. The building has some real character too.
citysearch.com - user review - 09/14/2002
Full Review »

Yummy

Cosmic is assume. The food is great and cheap. The place looks a bit scary when you walk in but hey I like dives!
citysearch.com - user review - 09/05/2002
Full Review »

Yummy, healthy, and cheap!

Cosmic has fantastic, fresh, inexpensive Mexican food. A great "college" type atmosphere, with good lighting, music, and service. The food is delicious and they offer lots of vegetarian and vegan options.
citysearch.com - user review - 08/08/2002
Full Review »

Cheap Eats

A 9th Street must, cheap food and big burritos but could use some cleaning up.
citysearch.com - user review - 08/08/2002
Full Review »

A Step into Mexico

You'll never believe that you're still in Durham. Great atmosphere for a nachos and the like!
citysearch.com - user review - 08/01/2002
Full Review »

Cheap and terrific

This place is the absolute best deal around. All of the ingredients are fresh and the burritos are huge. You can easily get your fill for $4.00. Highly recommended for those mexican food cravings!
citysearch.com - user review - 07/31/2002
Full Review »

Great Dive!

It is truly a dive. The food is great though. The burritos are all good and the salsa is very fresh. Request chips and salsa if it is for take out though, they are not an automatic. Great durham food. Summer...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/29/2002
Full Review »

Dinky atmosphere, great food

Good, cheap food... open late, so that you can chill when some other places are closed. Definitely a bargain for the buck!
citysearch.com - user review - 07/26/2002
Full Review »

simple and delicious

I usually hate this kind of place and I wanted to when my wife and I went....but instead I found the food fresh and really very tasty. No overcook dry beans - or ill prepared sauces. Just simple really good...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/14/2002
Full Review »

Cheap? Bah Humbug!

I love the burritos at Cosmic Cantina, but I don't call $7 for a burrito and five tortilla chips served in a plastic basket cheap!!!. Granted, it's only $6 if you skip the sour cream & guac, but who wants to...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/14/2002
Full Review »

Fresh & Good

Great cheap eats!! The best chicken quesadilla I've ever had!
citysearch.com - user review - 06/12/2002
Full Review »

Cheap, healthy, and DELICIOUS!!!

Cosmic Cantina is as good as you can get as far as delicious, inexpensive, filling, and healthy Mexican food. As a college student, I gravitate to low-cost eateries and Cosmic Cantina offers a welcome...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/29/2002
Full Review »

outstanding flavor, and urban charm

This is my all-time favorite place for burritos. The distinct combination of flavors in the $5 regular chicken version is superlative--yes, even for west coast standards. You just can't beat fresh, healthy...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/14/2002
Full Review »

Great summer hangout

Granted, you shouldn't come here expecting fabulous Mexican food. What you SHOULD expect is a nice, casual dining experience outside on the patio--when it comes to having a beer on Cosmic Cantina's deck, there...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/13/2002
Full Review »

AOL CityGuide

find heavenly food--without sky-high prices...
cityguide.aol.com - user review
Full Review »

10Best

many may debate the claims made by this restaurant that they serve the best mexican food on the planet, but one canit deny that the food here is pretty darn good! over-stuffed burritos and tacos, mexican and...
10best.com - user review
Full Review »