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Customer Reviews (14 reviews)
primebeefonly
on Citysearch Mar 16, 2009They have a great special menu and serve food very late on the weekends. Not at all what you would expect by peeking in the door. Duck confit with grilled asparagus or risotto at 12am in a smoky bar? I was pleasantly... (more)
Citysearch User
on Citysearch Oct 10, 2008The Federal is a great spot for casual dining or having a drink with some friends. The menu is fairly broad, ranging from sandwiches (the ham and cheese is exceptional) to entrees (good steak, fish, etc.) and they have... (more)
cathelou
on Citysearch Jul 11, 2008I'm not sure where the complaints about the service come from. The third time we went there, we were greeted by name even though our visits were weeks apart. It's true that Ben and the other bartenders look a bit... (more)
durhamcrusing
on Citysearch Jul 08, 2008The Federal has gone downhill in the last few years - I've been going there with varying regularity since its inception - much much less frequently these days. The food is still excellent, the beer selection is solid,... (more)
cmdcmdcmd
on Citysearch Dec 10, 2007Let me start by saying that I really like the food and the atmosphere at Federal. It is a great place with so much potential. Where they seriously fall short is the lack of waiters / waitresses. The ones they have have to... (more)
jsk0410
on Citysearch Sep 01, 2007Great sandwiches and soup. 1/2 soup + 1/2 sandwich for $5.00. We had the spinach and potato soup, which was great. The penne chix panini also very good. (more)
attack7
on Citysearch Jul 15, 2007Federal consistently provides some of the best meals you can get, for a very reasonable price. Their constantly changing specials are always extremely good. Definitely for under $15 and usually for under $10,... (more)
zivah1
on Citysearch Dec 25, 2006Seriously, I love it. And I know, like, 10 people who love it. LOVE it. We go there specifically for it. Okay, we also go there to drink because the Federal is one of approximately 4 tolerable bars in Durham. But GET THE... (more)
Kristin W.
on Judys Book Apr 08, 2006The Federal has shockingly good food. Known as somewhat of a smoky bar for the Duke crowd (particularly graduate students), I was surprised to stop in here for a late dinner one night and find the food so tasty. The menu... (more)
durhamhp
on Citysearch Jan 12, 2006I had read a lot of reviews about the Federal so I decided to give it a try. Went with 2 other girls for drinks and dinner on a weeknight. The place was crowded, so we sat at the bar. Nice selection of beers. Food was very... (more)