Dining out is great fun…but when introversion strikes or you’re just too cozy to move, takeout and delivery are always there. In the midst of a global pandemic and the popularity of apps like DoorDash, we’re all realizing how talented chefs in our cities are ready to bring us a bit of edible happiness.

Durham is home to some of the finest cuisine in NC, and takeout options are no exceptions. If you’re planning for a night in – as many of us are these days – here are some recommendations.

Saltbox Seafood Joint

North Carolina may be known nationally for its barbecue, but our seafood is no slouch; fishermen at the coast and outer banks have been making killer fish for centuries, and barbecue’s favorite companion – the hush puppy – is also ubiquitous in our seafood.

Enter the Saltbox Seafood Joint, founded by coastal native Ricky Moore. The menu changes every day based on what the fishermen are catching, but you can expect all the staples like catfish, shrimp, and oysters, prepared either fried or “spice griddled.” And of course, you can wash it all down with house-made sweet tea. Online ordering is available.

Pizzeria Toro

Everyone loves ordering pizza in, but it’s easy to get tired of chains. Durham residents can turn to Pizzeria Toro, serving up wood-fired pies every day from 4pm-9pm.

The menu is split into red (classic tomato) and white (cream or cheese based) pizzas, running the gamut from traditional Italian with San Marzano tomatoes to truffle pies with chanterelles and caramelized onions. Like Saltbox, there’s an emphasis on local products on the menu, including potatoes from down the road in Creedmoor. You can order for pickup online or delivery through DoorDash.

Sister Liu’s Kitchen

Speaking of pizza, another staple of the American takeout diet is Chinese. Sister Liu’s Kitchen might have the best Chinese in Durham, and they offer both pickup and delivery through Door Dash.

The menu is enormous, and skews more towards traditional Chinese cooking than the heavily fried American variety. You’ll see wontons and dumplings and noodles, sure, but you’ll also get pig ears and even turkey gizzards if you’re so inclined. Sister Liu also offers incredible “Chinese burgers,” with savory meat and veggies in a pocket with a crispy texture.

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